Iron Man: Bisbee's Copper Miner Tribute

The Iron Man statue, also known as the Virile Copper Miner or Copper Man, is officially named the Courthouse Plaza Miners' Monument. This monument pays homage to the copper miners whose hard work and dedication contributed significantly to the development of Bisbee and the wealth of Arizona.Created in 1935 by local artist R. Phillips Sanderson, the statue is a unique piece of art. Sanderson used a novel technique, wrapping a concrete form with nearly 200 pounds of copper wire and then applying a copper plating finish. Contrary to its name, the statue contains neither iron nor solid copper. The physique of the statue was modeled after Bisbee resident Lee Petrovitch.The statue is located on a small hill near the Cochise County Courthouse. Over the years, the Iron Man has become a beloved symbol of Bisbee, often adorned with festive decorations by locals for various occasions, from Christmas hats to football jerseys. The plaque at the base reads: "To Those Virile Men The Copper Miners Whose contribution to the development of the wealth and lore of the state of Arizona has been magnificent – Erected by the Citizens of the Warren Mining District this Eleventh Day of November A.D. 1935”.