Globe and Miami-Arizona

When the first silver mining claims in Globe, Arizona in the 1870s was established, it was common knowledge that there were also huge deposits of copper in the region.

This came after silver mining decreased in the latter years of the nineteenth century, the area of what is now Miami, Arizona saw many successful copper mines put into operation.

By the first decade of the 20th century, two very successful mining companies (Inspiration Copper Company and Miami Copper Company) began to start large operations.

Soon, a businessman, Cleve W. Van Dyke, realized the need for a town to accommodate the miners and their families who would prefer living closer to the actual mines, rather than traveling uncomfortably regularly. It was Van Dyke who promoted the idea of a “planned community” and on 11 October 1909, organized "Miami Townsite Day" to celebrate it. Other realtors from Globe supported the recognition.

And the town of Miami was born.

Van Dyke had a dream to be a very rich man but never achieved it because his heart drew him to help struggling friends and neighbors. His legacy remains in Miami, Arizona today.

Globe and Miami-Arizona have had a friendly rivalry. After the mines in Globe closed in the 1930s, the mining operations in Miami have supported the real growth in this area. Basically, the Miami mines is key to how Globe is able to even exist today.

Today, after a century of copper mining, Globe and Miami-Arizona are still in the same economic activity such as mining, tourism, and retirement communities. Its tourism centers on the $50-million recreational facilities and campgrounds at the Roosevelt Lake via State Route 88, you pass the Apache Trail, dams, lakes and rugged mountains on the Salt River, the saguaro cacti and just every panorama on every curve of the road.

A stop at the Tonto National Monument showcases the area’s history as well as Globe’s downtown is rich in history. On your return route via US Route 60 on Miami, you’ll drive by a majestic view of one of Arizona’s scenic highways. You wind your way to incredible rock formations, and pass by the BHP Pinto Valley Operations, Phelps-Dodge Oxhide, Bluebird leach dumps , Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center into Miami itself.

Some notable personalities who were residents of Globe are Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman actress), Donaled Lee (Major League Baseball pitcher), and Rose Perica Mofford (Arizona’s first female governor).

From Miami are Jack Elam (actor inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers), Rueben Martinez (activist and MacArthur Fellow), and Esteban Edward Torres (ambassador and politician).