Paradise, Arizona, is a small ghost town located in the Chiricahua Mountains of Cochise County, southeastern Arizona, within what is now the Coronado National Forest. It represents a classic example of a short-lived mining boomtown from the early 20th century in the American Southwest.
Founding
The town of Paradise was settled in 1901 during the Arizona Territory era (prior to Arizona’s statehood in 1912). It originated as a mining camp following the discovery of a rich vein of copper ore in the Chiricahua Mountains. The Chiricahua Development Company established operations there around 1903, which spurred the town’s growth. Some accounts credit “Grandpa” George A. Walker (or a similar figure) with naming the town, possibly inspired by the area’s abundant shade from trees along East Turkey Creek and its water sources, making it a “paradise” in the rugged landscape. The town was located near the earlier ghost town of Galeyville (an 1880s silver mining and outlaw hub associated with figures like Curly Bill Brocius), about three miles north.
Paradise briefly boomed as a frontier settlement, attracting miners and supporting businesses. At its peak around 1907, it featured a lively, rowdy atmosphere typical of mining camps.
Buildings and Structures
Little physical evidence remains today, as many structures were dismantled for lumber when the town declined, and residents often lived in tents or temporary buildings. Historical accounts mention:
- General stores — Including a large one built by Henry S. Chamberlain and Tom Hawkins, stocked with groceries, hay, grain, and mining supplies.
- Hotel
- Jail
- Saloons — Reports claim up to 13 saloons at one time, reflecting the rough mining culture.
- Other businesses — Such as mining-related facilities tied to the Chiricahua Development Company operations.
A few historic structures persist in a limited way. The George Walker House (built around 1902) is a notable surviving building, now used as a bed-and-breakfast or rental in the area, offering views of local wildlife and history. The town also has a small cemetery nearby.
Famous Citizens
Paradise was a small mining community without widely documented “famous” residents on a national scale. Key figures include:
- George A. Walker (often called “Grandpa” Walker) — Credited with naming the town and an early prominent resident; his historic house remains a landmark.
- Local miners, store owners, and operators associated with the Chiricahua Development Company.
No major outlaws or celebrities are directly tied to Paradise itself (unlike nearby Galeyville), though the region’s Wild West history includes connections to figures from the broader Cochise County area.
Post Office
The Paradise Post Office opened on October 23, 1901, shortly after settlement, reflecting the town’s early establishment and need for official services. It served the mining community during its boom years.
The post office closed on September 30, 1943, marking the effective end of the town as a functioning settlement. By then, the population had dwindled significantly due to the mine closures decades earlier.
Newspapers
No dedicated newspaper is recorded for Paradise itself in historical sources. Small mining camps like this often relied on regional publications from nearby towns (such as those in Cochise County or Tombstone-area papers) for news. The town’s short boom and remote location likely prevented the establishment of a local press.
Decline and Legacy
The town’s prosperity ended abruptly with the Panic of 1907, when copper prices plummeted from 25 cents to 9 cents per pound. The Chiricahua Development Company shut down operations and left, causing businesses to close and miners to depart. The town never recovered, becoming essentially abandoned by the 1940s, though a handful of residents remained in later years.
Today, Paradise is a quiet ghost town with scattered ruins and a few modern residents or visitors drawn to the area’s natural beauty, birdwatching (in nearby Cave Creek Canyon), and hiking in the Chiricahua Mountains. It stands as a reminder of Arizona’s mining history and the fleeting nature of boomtowns in the early 20th century.
(Note: This report focuses on the historic ghost town of Paradise in Cochise County, distinct from the modern affluent town of Paradise Valley near Phoenix in Maricopa County, which has a separate history tied to post-WWII residential development.)