Inspiration, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Inspiration, Arizona
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Inspiration Mine in 1916
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 Inspiration, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Inspiration, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Gila |
| Elevation | 3,927 ft (1,197 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (MST) |
| Area code(s) | 928 |
| FIPS code | 04-35450 |
| GNIS feature ID | 30392 |
Inspiration is a ghost town located in Gila County, Arizona, in the United States. It sits about 3,927 feet (1,197 m) (or 1,197 meters) above sea level. This town was once a special kind of place called a company town. This means it was built and run by a mining company, specifically for the workers of the Inspiration copper mine. Today, the old town area is on private company land, so people can't visit it.
History of Inspiration
Inspiration began as a small settlement focused on mining copper. The story goes that the area got its name when a local prospector had a dream about finding a mine, and his dream actually came true!
A post office was opened in Inspiration in 1917. It served the community for many years before closing down in 1983.
Life in the Company Town
At its busiest, Inspiration was home to about 350 to 400 people. The town had 89 houses and three apartment buildings. There was also a school called the Benjamin Franklin School. For shopping, residents could visit the Warrior Store and service station. The town also had its own post office and a telephone office.
What Remains Today
As of 2013, most of the original town is gone. Only the old school building, the gas station, and some walls and foundations are still standing.
The Inspiration Copper Mine
The rich Inspiration copper mine started operating in 1911. A businessman named Boyce Thompson helped promote the mine. He also owned another mine nearby called the Magma mine in Superior, Arizona. When the Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company was formed in 1915, Boyce Thompson kept a 15% ownership in it.
Today, the mine is run by a company called Freeport-McMoran. They have renamed it the Miami mine.
