Clarkdale in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

United Verde Copper Company Smelter

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010

1. United Verde Copper Company Smelter Marker

Inscription. The U.V.C.C. Clarkdale smelter was built through the vision of William A. Clark, owner of the United Verde Mine in Jerome. The Smelter was constructed between 1912-1915 to replace the outdated Jerome smelter.

On May 26, 1915 the first furnace was blown in, belching sulfur-laden smoke from the 400' steel stack. In 1922 the Cottrell Plant with a new 430' brick stack was added. For the peak year of 1929, hundreds of workers handled the 1.75 million tons of ore, producing 12 million pounds of copper bullion monthly.

Phelps Dodge Corp. purchased the plant in 1935. The furnaces shut down in 1950. Few buildings remain, but the true legacy of the smelter is the memories of the men who devoted their lives to the copper industry.

Erected 2001 by Town of Clarkdale & Lost Dutchman Chapter 5917 – 4, Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1827.

Location. 34° 46.346′ N, 112° 3.473′ W. Marker is in Clarkdale, Arizona, in Yavapai County. It is at the intersection of 1st N Street and North 9th Street, on the right when traveling west on 1st N Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clarkdale AZ 86324, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Verde Valley

and in the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Clark Memorial Clubhouse (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Rocks, Rituals, and Resources (approx. 1.8 miles away); Rich in Minerals (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Pueblo's Plaza (approx. 1.8 miles away); Caring for Traces of the Past (approx. 1.8 miles away); Moving On (approx. 1.8 miles away); Clues in Architecture (approx. 1.8 miles away); An Evolving Village (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarkdale.

United Verde Copper Company Smelter Marker with the Verde Valley in the Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010

2. United Verde Copper Company Smelter Marker with the Verde Valley in the Background

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,839 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the smelter ruins if available. • Can you help?