photo by renown artist John Byrd

The real attraction in Bisbee is the town itself ... it has a spiritual feeling .. a sweet haunting of western days of old and a modern pioneer adventure for the pursuit of relaxation and fun ... it celebrates resident artists, writers and musicians and their celebrity guests.

Bisbee resides 90 miles southeast of Tucson. It is the picturesque county seat of historic Cochise County. Founded in 1880, the community and named after Judge DeWitt Bisbee, a financial backer of the Copper Queen Mine. This Old West mining camp proved to be one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing nearly 3 million ounces of gold and more than 8 billion pounds of copper, not to mention the silver, lead and zinc that came from these rich Mule Mountains.

By the early 1900s, the Bisbee community was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. It had a population of 20,000 people and had become the most cultured city in the Southwest. Despite its culture, however, the rough edges of the mining camps could be found in notorious Brewery Gulch, with its saloons and fast ladies.

In 1908 a fire ravaged most of Bisbee's commercial district along Main Street, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes. Reconstruction began immediately and by 1910 most of the district had been rebuilt and remains completely intact today. Activities began to slow as the mines played out and the population began to shrink; mining operations on a large scale became unprofitable in 1975.

Bisbee has since evolved into an attractive artist colony and retirement community emphasizing monthly special events and tourism. Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique charm ... an uncommon blend of creativity, friendliness, style, romance and adventure — all wrapped in the splendor of the Old West.

Come stay in Bisbee. Stroll its sidewalks and find delight in the many art galleries, gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, book stores and specialty shops. Visit the charmingly restored neighborhoods of Victorian and European-style homes perched miraculously on the hillsides. Unwind ... relax ... and find soothing respite from your everyday world.

School House Inn Bed & Breakfast, Bisbee
Recommended by Frommer, Mobile Travel Guide, Arizona's Historic Escapes and Sunset magazines.