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 In the colorful period between 1870 and 1920, the
lure of gold, silver and copper attracted thousands of entrepreneurs
and fortune seekers to the town of Globe. While the gold and silver
were rapidly depleted, copper was plentiful and offered great wealth
and opportunity to those who came to Globe.
Mining and ranching provided the economic base
for the golden age. The city of Globe was home to wealthy mine
owners and managers who contributed to the affluence and cultural
elements of the society, while the wages paid in the mines allowed
the development of a solid middle class. Around the periphery of the
community, the prime grazing land and availability of water provided
the ideal environment for the emergence of cattle ranching as the
other key element in the economy of The Golden Age.
One of the remarkable things about Globe is that
today the city's economy remains robust, and mining and ranching
continue to be the principal reasons.
But the real charm of this wonderful community is
that one can stand on any street and actually feel the history. The
structures built during the Golden Age are still standing, and most
have been restored. The Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Globe
takes you past more than 25 historic building that date back to the
Golden Age. The original rescue and first aid station for the Old
Dominion Mine is today the Gila County Historical Museum where the
early days of mining come to life.
The annual Historic Homes Tour provides an
opportunity to see beautifully restored homes from the era. These
include the lavish homes of wealthy mine owners, and the more modest
residences of working class miners. Several of these restored
structures are even furnished with authentic period pieces.
The Highway Mine tour offers the visitor an
opportunity to see both the historic mines of the Golden Age, and
the modern mining techniques of today.
The cultural aspects of the Golden Age have also
been maintained. The Old Gila County Court Hous has been
meticulously restored and today is the Cobre Valley Center for the
Arts and the home of The Copper Cities Community Players.
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 Globe is situated at the eastern terminus of this
famed scenic roadway. Proceeding west from Globe along the trail,
the traveler will pass the Tonto National Monument on the way to
Roosevelt Lake and Dam. Further along the trail are the haunting
superstition Mountains and a host of recreational facilities.
What is now known as Globe traces its history
back many hundreds of years before the Golden Age.
 The
Salado Indians first came to the area about 1100 A.D. The Gila
Pueblo near Globe was established about two hundred years later, as
were the distinctive cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument.
The Besh-Ba-Gowah ruins in Globe represent
perhaps the best opportunity to study the culture of this ancient
society. Here the visitor has the opportunity to actually enter
these restored anceint dwellings.
The Salado Indians mysteriously disappeared
around 1450 A.D. Many years later, the Apache cam to the area, and
still remain today.
 The
nearby San Carlos Apache Reservation provides opportunities to
experience their culture and enjoy outstanding scenery and
recreation.
Globe is host each year to the Apache Days
Festival featuring many aspects of Apache culture and an opportunity
to purchase their food, baskets, and beautiful works of art.
Globe is located near the mid-point of this
legendary highway that stretches from Apache Juntion east to
Lordsburg, NM (designated as U.S. Routes 60 and 70). More than 600
years of western history still lives along the Old West Highway;
from the exploits of the Spanish Conquistadors, to the Indian Wars,
to the nefarious deeds of Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday and Wyatt
Earp.
Many of the most interesting attractions along
the highway are within a short drive from Globe. Information about
the Old West Highway is available from the Globe-Miami Chamber of
Commerce.
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