The primary reason for the (continued) existence of Hayden is the presence of the Hayden Smelter, a large copper smelter built by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) to serve several open pit copper mines in the area. The Hayden Smelter is most noted for its 1,000' tall chimney, the tallest free-standing structure in Arizona. ASARCO built Hayden as a company town, which means the business district and entertainments were strictly controlled (but Winkelman, right next door, was a "free" town).