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City/Town Snapshot: Clifton, AZ
Clifton is 210 miles east of Phoenix, 165 miles northeast of Tucson, and 30 miles from the New Mexico border. Clifton is one of the oldest settlements in
Arizona, a beautiful compact early 19th century Arizona mining town, nestled along the San Francisco River and surrounded by miles of high desert, forests,
and farmland.
Today, Clifton offers the wonderful combination of its grand and historic Chase Creek; the old business district right out of the movies with its historic
brick buildings squeezed between a mountain and a creek, along with the traditional urban-oriented neighborhoods and then outward to the rural and
contemporary communities of Morenci, Verde Lee, Loma Linda, Duncan and Blue River.
Clifton's citizens are of many ancestral backgrounds that have made Clifton their hometown since its formation. Diversity, whether industrial, commercial,
social, ethnic or cultural, is the fundamental strength of our town. Many diverse celebrations, ceremonies, events, exhibitions, and expressions flourish
in Clifton and our heritage will continue to a point of pride for many generations to come.
The citizens of Clifton have faithfully been active, interested, and involved in the affairs of our local, county, state, and federal governments since our
town's incorporation 105 years ago. They continue to follow and ensure Clifton's tradition of engaging in the "democratic principle."
Whether it is the San Francisco River which runs within our town, Clifton's main street of US191 Coronado Blvd, our distinctive and historical Arizona & New
Mexico Railway Passenger Station Built in 1913, the "Cliff Jail" blasted into solid rock, the unique and cherished early 19th century architecture on Chase
Creek Street, or the collection of local artifacts on exhibit at the Greenlee County Historical Society Museum (also on Chase Creek Street), Tombstone's
claim to fame can be matched by Clifton's history as the "Town Tougher Than Tombstone."
Freeport McMoRan's Morenci Mine Complex, four miles north of Clifton on US191, is the most modern copper mining complex in the nation. A short trip by car
takes you to the FMI mine overlook of the largest open pit copper mine in the world where you get a bird's eye view from the overlook along the highway, which
itself a wonderment to all who take this interesting side trip.
One cannot forget the unique and breathtaking scenery between Clifton and Alpine, Arizona along US191: the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. "Clifton is where the
trail begins" and has been rated a favorite among motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts. The Coronado Trail is a driving adventure navigating switchbacks, steep
grades and hairpin turns, known as one of the best driving and scenic roads in the nation.
The Town of Clifton invites you to come and explore our town's historical background, the uniqueness of Clifton and its surrounding beauty.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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