Cottonwood Arizona History

The first homes in Cottonwood were established in 1879 and incorporated in 1960. In 1874, soldiers from Camp Verde were stationed at an adobe house where Cottonwood stands today. Settlers began moving in, developing a community that took its name from a circle of 16 cottonwood trees near the Verde River.

Colorado City

Arizona has two Colorado City’s. The first of Yuma. or the name had Yuma had when it  was under Spanish rule from that time until 1854. The Gadsen Purchase caused Yuma to become a part of the United States. Fort Yuma was built during the Gold Rush, in 1849. The fort insured a safe southern travel route to California and brought peace to the area. In 1854, the town was established as Colorado City, but later the name changed to Arizona City in 1871. Not long afterward, the name was changed again this time to Yuma, 1873. Today it is the county seat.

 The other Colorado City is located on the northern border of Arizona adjacent to Hilldale, Utah. Colorado City was originally called Short Creek, for a nearby stream that sank into the sand before it had run very far. The area is covered with evidence of an early Anasazi population. One of the first modern settlers was William Maxwell in about 1908. Other early settlers were ranchers and cattlemen and, a few years later, homesteaders. In about 1930, a group of religious fundamentalists came from Utah seeking refuge and played a major part in pioneering the community to the thriving little city that it is Colorado City.

Coconino County

Coconino County, carved out of Yavapai County, was created by the 16th Territorial Assembly in1891. That same year, an election was held to determine the permanent county seat. Flagstaff, which had been designated the temporary county seat, won out over Williams by a vote of 419 to 97. Flagstaff, home of Northern Arizona University, remains the county seat. The original county courthouse, with additions, is still in use. Coconino County lies in the central region of northern Arizona, which was crossed by Spanish expeditions during the16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and by fur trappers and traders in the 1820s and1830s. Cattle and sheep ranching started in the 1870s, and when the railroad began serving the area a decade later, the lumber business boomed.

Clifton

Clifton and Morenci were established during the late 1800s as mining towns. They are in eastern Arizona, near the New Mexico border. Clifton, incorporated in 1909, is the seat of Greenlee County and the birthplace of Geronimo, famous Apache warrior chief.

Clarkdale

Clarkdale, incorporated in 1957, was laid out in 1914 near the site of the Clarkdale Smelter, which was financed by Senator 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.

Chloride

Chloride is a small town located 20 miles north of Kingman in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains at an altitude of 4200 feet. It began as a silver mining camp in the early 1860’s . At its peak, in the late 1800’s , early 1900’s , the population grew to 2500. Be sure to visit www.chloridearizona.com for more information on this Arizona community. 

Chino Valley

Chino Valley is the site of the first Territorial Capital of Arizona. U.S. Army Cavalry Lt. Amiel W. Whipple gave the community its name while traveling through the area. “Chino” is the Mexican name for the abundant, curly, grandma grass growing in the area. For many years Chino Valley, farmers have grown corn and alfalfa, and raised cattle. The capital moved to the town of Prescott, 15 miles south in 1864.A narrow-gauge branch of the United Verde and Pacific Railroad was completed to Jerome in 1895. This joined the Prescott and Arizona Central, and established the Jerome Junction. Between1900 and 1925, the activities of Jerome Junction were absorbed by Chino Valley. Chino Valley’s elevation is 4,750 feet. It is located in north central Arizona on Highway 89, and lies 15 miles north of Prescott and 35miles south of Ash Fork, which is on Interstate 40. The town of Chino Valley was incorporated in 1970.

Chandler

Chandler, named after Dr. A.J. Chandler was the first veterinary surgeon appointed to serve the Arizona Territory. In the 1890s, he acquired some 18,000 acres of irrigated farmland. In 1911, Dr. Chandler began to subdivide his land into agricultural plots. The city of Chandler was established in 1912 and incorporated in 1920.

Casa Grande

Casa Grande was founded in 1879, is named for the famous Hohokam Indian Ruins 20 miles to the northeast. Midway between Phoenix and Tucson, the city has grown to be the largest community in western Pinal County since its incorporation in 1915. The Casa Grande Valley Historical Museum offers many historical displays and facts about the area. The unique architecture of the historical railroad station and other historic buildings can be enjoyed on a walking tour of Casa Grande.

Huachuca Mountains

Garden Canyon lies in the Huachuca Mountains, in Fort Huachuca. The canyon is well maintained by the fort. It has a variety of plant and wildlife. Visitors will see wildflowers, mammals and birds. Garden Canyon is known for its butterflies. As a matter of fact, a butterfly checklist of f Fort Huachuca was published in 1997.

During a visit to Garden Canyon, you might run across mule deer, pronghorns and javelinas. In one section of the canyon called the Upper Picnic Area, visitors will encounter a terrific birding area. The Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon and the Painted Redstart are some of the unique birds found in this spot. If you want to continue past the Upper Picnic Area, along Scheelite Canyon Trail, it is advisable to have a four-wheel drive vehicle because the road is not maintained.

In this part of the canyon, you might see Mexican Spotted Owls. The canyon is home to many ongoing archaeological studies, especially at a prehistoric village near the opening of the canyon. You can see rock paintings at higher elevations in the canyon. Some of the art is dated back to 1200 AD. There is a white eagle painting believed to be done by Apaches in the 18th century.

Admission to the Garden Canyon is free. Drivers will however have to show proof of insurance, vehicle registration and a driver’s license at the fort’s gate. For more information on this canyon, you can call .

You can get to Garden Canyon by heading to the west side of Sierra Vista or to the south end of Fort Huachuca. Enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon. When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head east on State Highway 80 to the small town of Lowell.

Then take State Highway 92 southwest, as you drive along, you will find the highway will begin to head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Here you will take State Highway 90 east into the town of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80 through the town of Bisbee to the small town of Lowell. Here you will find State Highway 92. Take State Highway 92 southwest, after traveling on the highway it will begin to turn and head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Then take State Highway 90 east into the town of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

The simplest way to get to the Garden Canyon from Benson is to take Interstate 10 east for a very short time, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway 90 south down to Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

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