LEWIS WILLIAMS

Lewis Williams played a pivotal role in the history of Bisbee, Arizona, arriving in the 1880s as the superintendent of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company's smelter operations. Tasked with weighing the copper post-smelting, Williams' influence extended far beyond his official duties. Born into a prominent family and an early investor in Bisbee's mining ventures alongside his brother Ben, he earned the affection of the local Mexican copper smelter workers. They affectionately nicknamed him "Don Luis," a moniker that also came to define a vibrant neighborhood south of Bisbee on Highway 92. The Don Luis neighborhood remains a living testament to Williams' lasting impact, where families have resided for generations.

Williams' contributions to Bisbee were not confined to the mining industry. Along with his brother, he was a loyal supporter of James Douglas, the founder of Phelps Dodge Corporation, and counted among Douglas's most trusted associates. More than a century after his arrival, Williams' legacy as a respected community figure continues to influence Bisbee, Arizona.