Gleeson, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gleeson, Arizona
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Remains of Gleeson
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 Gleeson, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Gleeson, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Cochise |
| Founded | c.1875 |
| Named for | John Gleeson |
| Elevation | 4,924 ft (1,501 m) |
| Population
(2023)
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| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST (no DST)) |
| Area code(s) | 520 |
| Turquoise Post Office | October 22, 1890 – September 17, 1894 |
| Gleeson Post Office | October 15, 1900 – March 31, 1939 |
| FIPS code | 04-26700 |
| GNIS feature ID | 24427 |
Gleeson is a ghost town located in southeastern Cochise County, Arizona. It sits about 4,924 feet (1,501 meters) above sea level. The town started as a mining camp called Turquoise in the 1870s. It was part of the Arizona Territory back then. Later, in 1900, it became known as Gleeson.
Contents
History of Gleeson
How Gleeson Began
The area first became a settlement because of mining. It was called Turquoise, named after the beautiful blue-green mineral. Native Americans had mined turquoise in this area for a long time.
A post office opened in Turquoise on October 22, 1890. However, it closed just a few years later on September 17, 1894.
From Turquoise to Gleeson
A local miner named John Gleeson found a lot of copper. He started the Copper Belle Mine. Because of this new mine, the town of Gleeson was built. It was located downhill from the old Turquoise site. Other mines, like Silver Bill and Defiance, also opened nearby.
Life in the Mining Town
The Gleeson post office opened on October 15, 1900. At its busiest, about 500 people lived in Gleeson. Most people worked in the copper mines. They also found other valuable metals like lead, silver, and zinc.
In 1912, a big fire destroyed 28 buildings in the town. But the people of Gleeson worked together and rebuilt their community.
The End of the Mining Boom
Copper mining became very important during World War I. This was because copper was needed for many things during the war. After the war, the demand for copper went down. By the 1930s, most of the mines were empty. The Gleeson post office closed its doors for good on March 31, 1939.
What Remains in Gleeson Today
A Real Ghost Town
Today, Gleeson is considered a true ghost town. A few families still live there, but there are no businesses left. The last store, which sold rattlesnake products, closed in 2014.
Exploring the Ruins
Visitors can explore the remains of several old buildings. You can see the ruins of a hospital and a saloon. There's also a cemetery and the old jail. You can find the foundation of the village school. Evidence of the many mines is still visible in the hills around town.
The Gleeson cemetery is located west of the town. It's on the road that leads to Tombstone.
The Gleeson Jail Museum
The Arizona Republic newspaper wrote about Gleeson in 2014. The article mentioned that the old jail had been fixed up. It now serves as a museum for visitors to learn about the town's past.
Where is Gleeson Located?
Gleeson is about 16 miles (26 km) east of Tombstone. It sits on the southern slopes of the Dragoon Mountains. You can find it on the Ghost Town Trail. This trail also connects to other old mining towns like Courtland and Pearce.
Gallery
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The Gleeson Jail upon completion in 1910.
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Gleeson's Main Street in 1917.
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Gleeson's hospital in 1925.
See also
- Gleeson Gunfight
