Clemenceau, Arizona, Yavapai County is a captivating ghost town that once flourished as a bustling community. Nestled in the picturesque Verde Valley, Clemenceau holds a rich history that captures the imagination of those intrigued by the American Southwest’s past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Yavapai County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.7261° N, 112.0226° W
Elevation: Approximately 3,400 feet (1,036 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Established: 1917
Disestablished: 1946
Comments: Clemenceau was founded by the United Verde Extension Mining Company and named after Georges Clemenceau, the French Premier during World War I. It was built to support the company’s smelting operations in the area, which were essential to the region’s economy. The town featured amenities like a school, hospital, and various homes for its workers and their families. Its establishment was closely tied to the copper mining industry, which was the lifeblood of many communities in Arizona at the time.
The town was originally named Verde after the mine, but it was changed to Clemenceau in 1920 in honor of the French premier in World War I, Georges Clemenceau, a personal friend of Douglas. Clemenceau would later leave a vase designed by the French potter Ernest Chaplet to the town in return.
Remains: The most prominent remnant of Clemenceau is the Clemenceau Heritage Museum, housed in the original Clemenceau School building. This museum preserves the town’s history and offers a glimpse into life during its peak years. Other remains include a few residential structures and the ruins of the smelting facilities, which serve as evidence of the town’s industrial past.
Current Status: Clemenceau is considered a ghost town, though parts of it have been incorporated into the city of Cottonwood, Arizona. The area is mostly residential now, but the heritage museum keeps the memory of Clemenceau alive.
Remarks: Clemenceau’s story is emblematic of many towns in the American West that rose and fell with the fortunes of the mining industry. Its transformation from a bustling community to a ghost town reflects broader economic shifts and the changing landscape of American industry. Today, it stands as a historical site, inviting visitors to explore its past and contemplate the impermanence of human endeavors.
