Seniors Discover Mining Communities

Globe-Miami, Arizona is an area long lived for mining, ranching and Old West stories that have captivated senior visitors over the years. While silver was discovered in 1870, it did not take long for miners to add copper ore to their inventory.

While Globe was founded as a mining camp, mining, tourism, government and retirees are most important in the present-day Globe economy. In February, two of the best “wildflower drives” in Arizona pass through Globe-Miami.

Thanks to Globe’s relative isolation from the rest of Arizona (88 miles east of Phoenix) and its proximity to the San Carlos Apache reservation, Globe remained a frontier town. Globe’s history abounds in events such as murders, stagecoach robberies, outlaws, lynchings, and various Apache raids.

 Seniors Enjoy ‘Best Small City in Arizona’

Globe annually celebrates festivals like the Apache Jii Day and the Gila County Fair. Senior visitors interested in history of the area will enjoy the Besh-ba-Gowah Archaeological Park.

Occupied by Salado populations between AD 1225 and AD 1400, Besh-Ba-Gowah was one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the southwest.

Some call Globe “The Best Small City in Arizona.” TripAdvisor suggests that senior travelers not miss the Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive. I would not want to miss the famed Historic District that lies in Globe.

 Seniors Like Classic Western town

Let’s head 6.3 miles on Hwy 60 over to neighboring Miami, a classic Western copper boom-town, near the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Miami, Globe, and the unincorporated areas nearby, including Inspiration, Claypool and Central Heights-Midland City, are commonly called Globe-Miami.

Miami is located on the northeastern slope of the Pinal Mountains, and is surrounded, except to the east, by the Tonto National Forest. Seniors can visit Miami’s old downtown which has been partly renovated. The Bullion Plaza Museum, featuring the cultural, mining and ranching history of the Miami area, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of Arizona’s largest copper operations, Miami is the site of one of only three copper smelters in the entire country. On your route to Globe-Miami, pay a visit to The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, the largest and oldest botanical garden in Arizona, with 323-acres that includes a wide range of habitats and a 1.5-mile walking trail.

 Seniors, when you are traveling through Arizona, don’t miss these fascinating, historic old towns. You will find scenery and old buildings round every turn. Check out both communities on Google for various festivals that seem to be ongoing all year long. Your visit will be memorable. -jeb