Attempts to create a county in this section of Northern Arizona . It began with the 14th Territorial Legislative Assembly, when they defeated a bill to create "Frisco County." Next, the 15th Territorial Legislative Assembly passed a bill to establish Coconino County, only to have it vetoed by the Territorial Governor. Finally, in 1891, the 16th Territorial Assembly established Coconino County.

The county was carved out of Yavapai County and stretches 18,562 square miles.At this same time, it was decided that Flagstaff would become the temporary county seat. The seat would remain in Flagstaff, until an election could be held to decide on a permanent one. The elections took place in the same year and the result was the same. Flagstaff won.

In 1899, the Northern .Arizona Normal School was created. Over the years, the school has grown to become Northern Arizona University covering more than 600 acres today.

Coconino County is the second largest county in the United States and is the largest in Arizona . Yet, it is one of the most sparsely populated. The land lies in the central region of Northern Arizona and is covered with forests of pine, spruce, pinon, aspen and oak. There are deep canyons and steep mountains.

Visitors will be bombarded with attractions. The most popular and impressive is the Grand Canyon National Park. The park is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a land of time. The layers in the canyon walls symbolize the passage of time. Hikers find this park to be one of the best places to head down a trail. Sunset Crater National Monument and Wupatki National Monument are situated close to each other. These monuments hold the ruins of Indian cultures from long ago. The Navajo National Monument includes the best-preserved ruins from the Anasazi culture.

The Betatakin and Keet Steel Ruins can be viewed by following a trail. Another place to see what life was like hundreds of years ago is Walnut Canyon National Monument. It is located just to the east of Flagstaff. The canyon was new home to the Sinagua Indians, who built their cliff dwellings near the creek. Oak Creek Canyon can be seen by taking a gorgeous drive, down from Flagstaff to Sedona passing through tall trees alongside a meandering creek. During your trip, you will pass by Slide Rock State Park. This park is packed with people trying to cool off and enjoying a water ride down the smooth red creek rocks.

Coconino County has many historic and scenic sights. It will soon become your favorite vacation destination.