Welcome to Clarkdale

All-American small-town comforts

Clarkdale can truly be called one of the few remaining "small towns" in the country.

With its annual American as apple pie Fourth of July celebrations and friendly small town atmosphere, Clarkdale is really special.

The town is at the upper end of the Verde Valley in Yavapai County approximately 110 miles north of Phoenix and south of the Grand Canyon at an elevation of 3,542 feet.

Topography of the area is characterized by numerous mesas and buttes along the rise from the Verde River on the east, at 3,300 feet, to the Mingus Mountains on the west, at 7,000 feet.

Clarkdale, incorporated in 1957, was laid out in 1914 near the site of the Clarkdale Smelter, which was financed by Sen. William A. Clark of Montana.

Construction of the smelter began in 1910 and it processed ore from nearby Jerome until 1952. Clarkdale was a company town way ahead of its time with many modern amenities. The old mining and smelter sites and clubhouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Clarkdale developed as a service center for the mining area around it. The growing population spurs the housing and construction industries and makes for active retail and service sectors within a five-mile radius of this community.

The Salt River Material Group's Phoenix Cement facility, on a 2,000-acre site, is one of the town's biggest employers and one of the best corporate neighbors.

Artists and production craftspeople utilize the original high school and elementary school as facilities. CTI, a trucking firm, headquarters in Clarkdale and is a major employer.

Varied custom manufacturers and producers serving the construction industry are part of Clarkdale's industrial and professional community. Clarkdale is home to Mold-in-Graphics and Reactive Metals serving manufacturers internationally.

The Arizona Central Railroad Company, which has a 1,500-ton capacity, makes a daily, 38-mile freight run to connect with the Santa Fe. The Arizona Central Verde River Canyon Line is a 19-mile scenic passenger tour up the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville.

Clarkdale's location makes the varied scenic, historic and recreational areas of the Verde Valley and north-central Arizona easily accessible. Historic Main Street Clarkdale preserves its "model town" look and an ambiance perfect for walking tours.

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area, a quiet and beautiful 26-mile canyon, is perfect for short walks, as well as lengthy backpacking. Tuzigoot National Monument, two miles northeast of Clarkdale, dates prior to 1000 AD. This 42-acre site houses three large Sinagua Indian pueblos containing more than 100 rooms. Dead Horse Ranch State Park in nearby Cottonwood is a 300-acre park with a visitor contact station and facilities for camping, picnicking, and fishing.

Clarkdale offers a range of community facilities including a library, two parks, one swimming pool, several ballparks, and a clubhouse with lounge, social hall and auditorium. The Clark Memorial Clubhouse and the Clarkdale-Jerome School are available for social, cultural, sports, civic, and educational events.

In addition to communication resources from the rest of the state, Clarkdale has one thrice-weekly newspaper, one weekly newspaper, several radio stations from Cottonwood and Sedona, and 31 television channels available via cable.

Clarkdale's Yavapai College offers continuing education and the varied services of its Small Business Development Center. Northern Arizona University, a four-year institution, with nine colleges, is located in Flagstaff (50 miles north).

Medical professionals and a hospital are within a five-minute drive (in Cottonwood).

The Town of Clarkdale is governed by a mayor, four council members and a town manager. There is a police department with full-time personnel and a full time fire district.

Residents of Clarkdale have access to the Cottonwood Airport with a lighted, 4,250-foot runway.

There is one industrial park with utilities available and rail and road transportation. Commercial properties are available in the central business district and the new areas of Clarkdale. Current information is available from the Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce.

For further information, contact: Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce; P.O. Box 161; Clarkdale, AZ 86324; (928) 634-9438; Town of Clarkdale; P.O. Box 308; Clarkdale, AZ 86324; (928) 639-2400.

Courtesy of The Verde Independent
Thursday, June 19, 2008

For more information, see Clarkdale Community Profile, prepared by the Arizona Department of Commerce.