Globe | USA Arizona

Globe is an independent city and the county seat of Gila County, situated in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains. It is a quintessential Old West mining town, defined by its steep, narrow streets, its massive copper mining operations, and its identity as a critical historic hub between Phoenix and the eastern high country.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Salado people for centuries. Primary governance eras include its 1875 founding as a silver mining camp and its 1907 incorporation. A critical historical event was the 1881 arrival of the Gila Valley, Globe and Northern Railway, which shifted the town's focus from silver to the massive copper deposits that still drive the economy. The city's name originates from a "globe-shaped" boulder of silver found by a prospector in 1875. In the early 20th century, Globe was a site of significant labor unrest and was famously a target for the legendary outlaw Pearl Hart.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 7,200 (city) and 15,000 (Globe-Miami area). The demographics are White (53%), Hispanic or Latino (38%), and Native American (4%). The economy is dominated by Freeport-McMoRan copper mining operations and government services.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Globe is built into rugged hillsides at an elevation of 1,070 m (3,510 ft).

Historic Downtown: Centered on Broad Street, featuring a rare concentration of multi-story 19th-century territorial buildings.

Miami: The adjacent twin city to the west, heavily defined by active mining pits and smelter stacks.

Pinal Foothills: The southern residential sector transitioning into the Pinal Mountains.

The Highway 60 Corridor: The modern commercial strip housing major retail and fast-food chains.

Top City Landmarks

Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park: A partially restored 700-year-old Salado pueblo ruin featuring an extensive museum of prehistoric artifacts.

Gila County Courthouse & Cobre Valley Center for the Arts: A 1906 stone courthouse transformed into a regional arts and cultural center.

Old Dominion Historic Mine Park: A 19th-century mine site converted into a park with interpretive signs, hiking trails, and remnants of mining infrastructure.

Freeport-McMoRan Mine: One of the largest active copper mines in the state, with massive tailing piles and pits visible from US-60.

Train Depot: A restored 1916 Southern Pacific depot that served as a major transit point during the copper boom.

Transportation Network

Movement is serviced by private vehicle. The city is the critical junction of US-60 and US-70. Commercial air service is via Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), 140 km west. Ride-sharing is extremely sparse. Traffic is light within the city but heavy with commercial semi-trucks and mining equipment on US-60.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate. Property crime, specifically "theft from industrial sites" and vehicle prowls, is the primary issue. Violent crime rates are higher than the state average in certain localized sectors. There are no designated "red zones," but caution is advised at night in the older neighborhoods on the west side bordering Miami and near the Broad Street outskirts. Environmental hazards include extreme summer heat and potential flash flooding in canyon washes.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds average 200 Mbps with service via Sparklight and various satellite providers. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T. Card acceptance is universal in the commercial corridor and downtown. ATMs are concentrated on Broad Street and near the Safeway/Fry's retail centers.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C in winter and 22°C to 38°C (100°F+) in summer. It is a semi-arid mountain climate. Air quality is moderate, historically impacted by the copper smelter in Miami, though modern emissions controls have significantly improved regional conditions.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 18–25%. A handshake is the standard greeting. Dress codes are "Industrial-Casual" (work boots and denim are the standard attire due to the mining industry). The city is culturally defined by its "Copper Capital" pride, its Italian and Hispanic heritage, and its transition toward heritage tourism.

Accommodation Zones

US-60 Corridor: Recommended for national hotel chains and convenience.

Downtown / Broad St: Recommended for historic boutique stays and proximity to the arts center.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.50 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $16.00 (USD)

1 Admission (Besh-Ba-Gowah): $5.00 (Single).

Nearby Day Trips

Roosevelt Lake: (50 km northwest).

Boyce Thompson Arboretum: (45 km west).

Salt River Canyon: (65 km northeast).

Facts & Legends

Globe was once the richest copper mining town in the world. Historically, it was the site of the last stagecoach robbery in the United States (committed by Pearl Hart in 1899). A local legend involves the "Ghost of the Gila County Jail," a rumored spectral figure associated with the notorious "hanging tree" that once stood nearby. Another legend concerns "The Silver Globe," the original massive silver nugget that supposedly still has undiscovered counterparts hidden in the Pinal foothills.