OLD BISBEE, Arizona
The Heart of Bisbee’s Mining Legacy and Historic Charm
Discover Old Bisbee — The Soul of Arizona’s Most Storied Mining Town
Nestled in the Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona, Old Bisbee is the beating heart of Bisbee’s rich past and vibrant present. As one of the 12 unique suburbs of Bisbee, Old Bisbee holds a special place in both local lore and American mining history. This historic district is renowned for its vibrant hillside homes, intricate network of narrow streets, and the unmistakable character that only a boomtown-turned-arts-haven can offer.
Old Bisbee is where it all began. Started in 1877 following the discovery of rich copper deposits, it rapidly grew into one of the most productive mining towns in the world. By the early 20th century, Bisbee was the second largest city east of the Mississippi River. The legacy of the Copper Queen Mine, Lavender Pit, and the company that ran it all—Phelps Dodge—still echoes through the architecture and artifacts scattered across Old Bisbee.
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A Living Museum Built into the Mountainside
The town’s steep hillsides are dotted with colorful miner’s cottages, elegant Victorian homes, and staircases that serve as public streets. From Brewery Gulch to Main Street, Old Bisbee offers a window into a bygone era, with preserved architecture, historic saloons, and local art galleries.
Unlike ghost towns that faded with the mines, Old Bisbee reinvented itself. Today, it’s a vibrant mix of artists, entrepreneurs, historians, and longtime residents. Walking through Old Bisbee is like stepping into the past—only with better coffee, live music, and welcoming locals.
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Tour Old Bisbee with a Local Who Lived It
Old Bisbee is a featured highlight on multiple Big Jeep Tours adventures, including our highly acclaimed Old Bisbee Tour. Your guide, Travis Bishop, is a 4th-generation Bisbee native who spent his childhood exploring these winding hills, jumping from rocky cliffs and stairways, and hearing stories from the miners, teachers, and shopkeepers who made Old Bisbee what it is today. On tour, you'll experience:
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The architectural contrasts of early 1900s miner cottages and Victorian-era homes
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Scenic viewpoints overlooking the Lavender Pit and the surrounding suburbs
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The Copper Queen Hotel, Brewery Gulch, and the original company store
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Stories of immigration, labor struggles, and the infamous Bisbee Deportation of 1917
Old Bisbee isn’t just a stop—it’s a centerpiece of the town’s soul. Join Big Jeep Tours and explore it through the eyes of someone who calls it home.