Bisbee Arizona, Main Street, Taken in 1940, Russell Lee

Bisbee, Arizona in 1940 was a bustling mining town located in the southeastern part of the state, near the border with Mexico. At that time, the population of Bisbee was around 9,000 people, and the town was the largest in the county.

The town's economy was largely based on mining, and the copper industry in particular. The Phelps Dodge Corporation was the largest employer in Bisbee, operating several large copper mines in the surrounding hills.

In 1940, Bisbee was also home to a vibrant downtown area, with a number of shops, restaurants, and theaters. The town had a strong community spirit, and residents were known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

However, it's worth noting that Bisbee in 1940 was also a place of racial and economic inequality. The mining industry was heavily segregated, and many of the town's Mexican and Mexican-American residents faced discrimination and limited opportunities for employment.

Additionally, Bisbee was located just a few miles from the Mexican border, and tensions between the United States and Mexico were high at the time due to concerns over border security and illegal immigration. This led to increased scrutiny and surveillance of Mexican residents in Bisbee and other border towns.