Maricopa County

Maricopa County

During the mid 1880’s, Prescott held the Territorial Capital and was the site of the Territorial Legislature. This did not sit well with the residents in the Salt River Valley and the Gila River area. They wanted a more local seat of government and in their eyes Prescott was too far north. They eventually petitioned the Territorial Legislature.

Then in February 1871, Maricopa County was established. The new county was created by the removal of parts of Pinal and Yavapai Counties. However, it wasn’t until 1889 before Phoenix was named the Territorial Capital of Arizona . The town was later named the capital of Arizona .

Maricopa Golf Courses

Grab a quick round of golf in Maricopa, Arizona.

Warm weather and friendly an atmosphere make golfing in Maricopa fun. It is easy to find a golf course that suits your needs in and around the Maricopa area.

By using the list below, you will be able to locate a golf course nearby. Then, all you need to do is take your golf clubs and head out for a round. It is a great day to play golf in Maricopa and the surrounding area.

Arizona City Golf Club - Semi-Private
13939 East Cleator Road
Arizona City, Arizona 85223

Dave White Golf Course - Public
2121 N Thornton Road
Casa Grande, Arizona 85222

Duke at Rancho El Dorado – Maricopa
42660 West Rancho El Dorado Parkway
Maricopa, Arizona 85239

Francisco Grande Resort and Golf Club - Resort
26000 West Gila Bend Highway
Casa Grande, Arizona 85222

Mission Royale Golf Course – Public
11 South Mission Parkway, Building #!
Casa Grande, Arizona 85222

Tierra Grande Country Club - Public
813 West Calle Rosa
Casa Grande, Arizona 85222

Southern Dunes Golf Club – Private
48456 West Highway 238
Maricopa, Arizona 85239

In 1885, the Territorial Normal School was established in Maricopa County. The school continued to grow and change its name. Finally, in 1958 it became Arizona State University.
Today, the county covers 9,200 square miles. More than half of the state’s population resides in Maricopa County. The county is a metropolitan area, which is the center of political and economic activities. It is crisscrossed with paved roadways and canals.

There are so many attractions in Maricopa County that it is impossible to name them all. The county includes numerous parks, such as Estrella Mountain, McDowell Mountain, White Tank Mountains, Payson, Squaw Peak Mountain, Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, McCormick Railroad, Papago, Encanto and North Mountain. the county has many lakes edging its northeastern border. Lake Pleasant is situated in the northern part of the county. Boat ramps, a marina, fishing and camping are available at the lake. It is a magnet to many living in the city because of its close proximity. Bartlett Lake is an irrigation reservoir along the Verde River. The lake offers primitive boating and camping facilities. Bass, catfish and bluegill swim in these waters. Saguaro Lake is popular spot throughout the year. The scenery is a draw along with fishing, camping and boating. Many enjoy taking a tour of the lake with a boat rental or boat excursion. The lake is in the eastern section of Maricopa County.

Canyon Lake is a gorgeous lake with fishing, camping and picnicking. There are boat tours available to help visitors take in the beauty of the lake. Horse Mesa Dam in the eastern part of Maricopa County. The dam created Apache Lake. It offers fishing, boat rentals, camping and marina.

Many are surprised to learn that a county that is mainly comprised of metropolitan areas is also the location of many outdoor sights. Maricopa County has it all.

Maricopa County, named after the Maricopa Tribe, was created from portions of Pima and Yavapai counties in1871. It was the fifth county formed in Arizona, and eventually portions were used to create Gila and Pinal counties. In the late 19th century, citizens living far south of Prescott, the territorial capital and site of the Territorial Legislature, petitioned for a more local seat of government. Residents of the Salt River Valley and the Gila River area wanted anew county in their respective locations. After weighing both proposals, the Legislature agreed with the Salt River Valley group and created Maricopa County. In 1889, Phoenix became the final site of the territorial capital and retains its status as Arizona’s capital city. More than half of the state’s population resides in Maricopa County, which includes the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Peoria, and Gilbert. This metropolitan area is the state’s major center of political and economic activity. In addition to housing the state capital, the county is home to a growing high-tech industry; manufacturing and agricultural industries; 15 institutions of higher learning, including Arizona State University; various cultural attractions; major league professional basketball (Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury), football (Arizona Cardinals), hockey (Phoenix Coyotes) and baseball (Arizona Diamondbacks); and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Today Maricopa County measures 9,222 square miles, 98 square miles of which is water. Twenty-nine percent of this area is owned individually or by corporation, and 28 percent is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The U.S. Forest Service and the state of Arizona each control 11 percent of the county; an additional 16 percent is owned publicly. Almost 5 percent is Indian reservation land. Maricopa County has five designated Enterprise Zones.

Mc Guireville Arizona

Mc Guireville is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is part of the Verde Valley and is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest with Wet Beaver Creek flowing through it. The Verde Valley has scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks, the red rocks of Sedona, Mingus Mountain and the green valley where it sits. It is located off of Interstate 17, just north of Camp Verde with Flagstaff 50 miles north and Phoenix 100 miles south.

Overview:
McGuireville is an unincorporated planned community that has traditionally been a haven for retirees. Recently though, families have been moving to the area because of the affordable housing and land. Today McGuireville’s population is 2,400, which is a combined total of the nearby towns Lake Montezuma and Rimrock. The climate is mild with a winter low temperature of 25 degrees and a summer high temperature of 90 degrees. The dry healthy climate and its proximity to recreational activities and metropolitan cities have made this community a popular spot to live.

History:
McGuireville was first referred to as “The Station.” Eugene McGuire owned a gas station in the area that is now McGuireville. McGuire would service cars on their way from Camp Verde to Stoneman Lake. After time, the name McGuireville stuck.

Community Features:
You will find several outdoor activities near McGuireville that are worth the visit. The Beaver Creek Golf Course is located in Lake Montezuma. This 18-hole course also has a restaurant. The wonderful weather makes golfing a good year round sport. Stoneman Lake is approximately 20 miles north on Interstate 17.

The lake is unique in that geologists have yet to decide if it is a volcanic crater or a sinkhole. The fishing is great. Yellow perch, pike and sunfish have all been caught in Stoneman Lake. There is a boat ramp, but no camping area. Montezuma Castle National Monument is a cliff dwelling built in 1150. It is one of best-preserved examples of cliff dwellings in the country. Montezuma Well is a natural limestone sinkhole. The Sinagua Indians living at Montezuma Castle used the well for a network of irrigation canals. This water supply was very important to their livelihood.

Mayer Arizona

Mayer is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is located in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains near Big Bug Creek on State Highway 69, approximately 5 miles from Interstate 17. The 1.2 million acre Prescott National Forest is just to the west of town. Mayer is 70 miles north of Phoenix and 25 miles southeast of Prescott.

Overview:
Mayer is an unincorporated town that draws many individuals to its cool mountain setting. Today Mayer’s population is 1,500. The town sits at an elevation of 4,370 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low temperature of 23 degrees and summer high temperature of 85 degrees. Mayer has a small town western feeling with a flavor of the past.

History:
Joseph Mayer came to the area in 1881. He built a store and a saloon. Later, he established a Wells Fargo stage station. The station was built along the line between Phoenix and Prescott. After a period of time, the town was named after him.
Today Mayer is a growing community. It is a center for agricultural and mining industries in the surrounding area.

Community Features:
A unique attraction located 10 miles to the east of town is Arcosanti. Arcosanti or “Urban Laboratory” is a community developed by Paolo Soleri. Soleri is an Italian architect, who has worked on the project for over 30 years. The futuristic self-sufficient community offers a tour that gives visitors an inside look at this amazing structure and way of life. There is a gift shop and other shops available for visitors.

Events:
Mayer Daze Celebration June

Meadview - Dolan Springs

Meadview

Location:
Meadview is in western Arizona. It is in Mohave County. The town is located near the junction of Lake Mead and the lower gorge of the Grand Canyon, approximately half way between Las Vegas, Nevada and Kingman. You can reach Meadview from Kingman by taking U.S. Highway 93 northwest out of town. When you reach County Road 25 or Pearce Ferry Road, take the exit and head northeast up to Meadview.

Dolan Springs is an unincorporated desert community at the base of Mount Tipton, a 6,900-foot prominence in the Cerbat Mountains in west-central Mohave County. At an elevation of 3,300 feet, the town is approximately 30 miles northwest of Kingman.

Dolan Springs, called the Gateway to Lake Mead, is 75 miles southeast of Las Vegas, and 70 miles northeast of Laughlin, Nevada. Mohave County has an estimated 1,000 miles of fresh water shoreline with Dolan Springs at the gateway to Lake Mead, a beautiful 550-mile shoreline lake offering bass, catfish, and trout fishing, boating, and other forms of water recreation. Lake Mead was created by the construction of Hoover Dam. The Pierce Ferry Road, beyond the community itself, is paved to South Cove toward the upper or eastern end, of Lake Mead.

The distance from Dolan Springs is about 43 miles. In addition to the area’s water recreation, there are gold mines, rock hunting and the attraction of Las Vegas, Nevada. Tour buses to the West Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are available daily from Dolan Springs. The Haulapai Mountains’ forested slopes, 40 miles southeast, offer picnicking and hunting.

One of the world’s largest Joshua Tree Forests is located in the Lake Mohave Ranchos/Dolan Springs area.

The first official exploration of the Colorado River to Black Canyon, the site of today’s Hoover Dam, was made in 1858 by Army Lieutenant Joseph C. Ives aboard the steamboat Explorer. Hoover Dam, about 43 miles northwest of Dolan Springs, is crossed by U.S. 93.

Overview:
Meadview is a small community that increases in size during the summer months.
Today Meadview’s population is 1,500. The warm desert climate has a low temperature of 40 degrees in the winter and a high temperature of 105 degrees in the summer. Those living here discover the advantages of living close to Kingman’s city living and the beauty of Lake Mead and the hills of Grapevine Mesa.

History:
The residential development of Meadview was established in 1962. The development was laid out to give a variety of lots with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management owning most of the surrounding area.

Community Features:
The highlight of Meadview is its proximity to outdoor activities at Lake Mead. This is a spectacular lake situated in the middle of the desert. The views from the lake are one of a kind. South Cove is just a few miles north of Meadview, at the end of Pearce Ferry Road. The cove has a boat ramp, but no camping facilities. Fishermen like to leave South Cove and head north into Iceberg Canyon. Large bass have been found in these waters.

Meadview is in western Arizona . It is in Mohave County. The town is located near the junction of Lake Mead and the lower gorge of the Grand Canyon, approximately half way between Las Vegas, Nevada and Kingman. You can reach Meadview from Kingman by taking U.S. Highway 93 northwest out of town. When you reach County Road 25 or Pearce Ferry Road, take the exit and head northeast up to Meadview.
Overview:
Meadview is a small community that increases in size during the summer months. 
Today Meadview’s population is 1,500. The warm desert climate has a low temperature of 40 degrees in the winter and a high temperature of 105 degrees in the summer. Those living here discover the advantages of living close to Kingman’s city living and the beauty of Lake Mead and the hills of Grapevine Mesa.

History:
The residential development of Meadview was established in 1962. The development was laid out to give a variety of lots with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management owning most of the surrounding area.

Community Features:
The highlight of Meadview is its proximity to outdoor activities at Lake Mead. This is a spectacular lake situated in the middle of the desert. The views from the lake are one of a kind. South Cove is just a few miles north of Meadview, at the end of Pearce Ferry Road. The cove has a boat ramp, but no camping facilities. Fishermen like to leave South Cove and head north into Iceberg Canyon. Large bass have been found in these waters. 

Lake Mead

 

 

 

Lake Mead is a long lake measuring 110 miles in length.  The 550-mile shoreline encircles 157,900 acres of water.  The deepest part of the lake is 500 feet.  In 1964, the Lake Mead Recreational Area was established.  This area not only includes the lake, but it also covers 1.5 million acres.  This makes it twice the size of Rhode Island. 

When you visit Lake Mead, you will see its geographical history in the rock formations.  In Black Canyon, there are layers of granite-like rock dating back 1.8 million years ago.  At Fortification Hill, there are lava flows that top it.  These flows were formed 6 million years ago during the last Ice Age.  Lake Mead is a spectacular sight to see.

Lake Mead is special, in that three of America’s four desert ecosystems are located here.  The three ecosystems are the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran Deserts.  Since these ecosystems are in the area, there are also a variety of plants and animals.  Some of these plants and animals can be found nowhere else in the world.

There are numerous animals found at the Lake Mead Recreational Area.  Some of the animals that you might see are coyotes, kit foxes, muledeer and bighorn sheep.  Both the desert tortoise and the peregrine falcon are endangered species.  These creatures live in the Lake Mead Recreational Area.

There are many recreational sites that rim the lake, along with picnic areas and sandy beaches.  If you are interested in water sports this is the place to be.  You will find free launching ramps and marinas to rent boats.  Many people come to water ski, sail, houseboat, snorkel and jet ski. 

The lake also has largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish for those who want to drop a line.  The shoreline is a perfect place to make camp and enjoy your time fishing.

Temple Bar is a great spot on Lake Mead.  There are several camping areas on the Arizona side of the lake.  At Temple Bar, you will find 150 units for tent and trailer camping.  If you want more information, call 520-767-3401.  There is also RV camping at Temple Bar.  For more information, call 520-767-3400.  You can reach Temple Bar by taking State Route 93 north out of Kingman.  When you get to Temple Bar Road on the right hand side of State Route 93 turn and head north, until you dead end into Temple Bar.

Both Gregg’s Hideout and Pearce Ferry have camping areas for trailers and tents.  If you want more information on either of these areas, you can call 520-564-2220.  You can get to Gregg’s Hideout by taking State Route 93 north out of Kingman to Dolan Springs.  At Dolan Springs turn right and head through the town of Dolan Springs.  You will continue on Pearce Ferry Highway northeast to the turn for Gregg’s Hideout Road.  Turn left and head north to Gregg’s Hideout.  You can get to Pearce Ferry by heading out of Kingman north on State Route 93 to Dolan Springs.  At Dolan Springs turn right and head through the town.  You will continue on Pearce Ferry Highway, through Lake Mead City and on to the end at Pearce Ferry.  South Cove is just a few miles north of Meadview  and Dolan Springs at the end of Pearce Ferry Road.  The cove has a boat ramp, but no camping facilities.  Fishermen like to leave South Cove and head north into Iceberg Canyon.  Large bass have been found in these waters.  

If you are interested in learning more about Lake Mead, you will have to venture across the border to Nevada, four miles east of Boulder City.  Here you will discover the Alan Bible Visitor Center overlooking Lake Mead.  The Center is filled with films and exhibits about the nature and history of the area.  It is open daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Admission is free.  If you would like to know more about the Alan Bible Visitor Center, you may call 702-293-8990.

You will love your visit to this awesome lake.  Every time I have gone, I have been amazed at the beauty of this gorgeous blue lake sitting amongst massive rock formations.  The animals are there, you need to keep your eyes open.

 

 

Morenci Arizona

Morenci is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Greenlee County. The town is located on U.S. Highway 191. This mining town clings precariously to the steep mountainsides above the town of Clifton only six miles away. Morenci is approximately 30 miles east of New Mexico and 169 miles northeast of Tucson. 

Overview:
Morenci’s reason for existence is copper, and its famed open pit mine. It is a town owned and operated by Phelps Dodge. Today Morenci has a population of 2,500. The town sits at an elevation of 4,838 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low temperature of 31 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. Morenci is both old and new, and it has much to offer to resident and tourist.

Community Features:
Morenci has several attractions. The Greenlee County Historical Museum is located at the west end of Chase Creek in Clifton. The museum is packed full of interesting memorabilia from the surrounding area. Visitors will discover Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Apache warrior Geronimo and Ted De Grazia were born nearby. The museum has artifacts, which make the west come alive. It is a stop worth taking. The Morenci Open Mine Pit Tour gives visitors an up close look at the mining process. The equipment is monstrous and the sheer size of the operation is hard to comprehend. The tour takes about three and a half hours. Make sure you call ahead to find out the days and times. 

Visitors will find many outdoor attractions. The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway travels between the towns of Morenci and Springerville, along U.S. Highway 180 or 191. Francisco Vasques de Coronado first used the trail in 1540, during his search for the Seven Cities of Cibola. The drive passes by gorgeous landscapes and through dangerous switchbacks. Another scenic drive located just outside of town is the Black Hills Back Country Byway. This rough 21-mile road between Clifton and Safford begins just south of Clifton and passes over the Old Safford Bridge. The road was once a wagon trail and travels through spectacular scenery and sweeping views. It is a must see, as long as you are prepared for the bumpy path.

History:
Members of the Colonel Carleton’s Regiment of California Volunteers discovered the first indication of copper ore in 1865. Unfortunately, the Indians in the area made it difficult to get to the copper. Then in 1870, the Apache Indians signed a treaty. This treaty allowed access to the area and a mining camp was established. The original mining camp was called Joy’s Camp. It was named after Captain Miles Joy, a mineral surveyor. 

In 1872, capital was acquired to expand operations. The Detroit Copper Company was created and the camp was renamed Morenci after a town in Michigan. During the late 1800’s, the mine was continuing to grow. The mine was using a mini gauge railroad with mules to pull the carts down the hill to Clifton for smelting. 

Later, Detroit Copper Company asked for capital from Phelps-Dodge Company and soon Phelps-Dodge had a share in the company. Then in 1885, William Church, the president of Detroit Copper Company, sold his operation to Phelps-Dodge. Morenci soon became one of the biggest copper mines. The mules were replaced in 1888, when a locomotive arrived in town. 

Mining continued to be done underground, until the mine closed during the Depression. Then in 1937, the mine reopened and began mining as an open pit. In the mid-1960’s, Phelps Dodge was forced to move the town of Morenci. The town was in the way of mining. The new town was relocated two miles from the historic Morenci. 
Today Phelps Dodge continues to operate the open pit copper mine in Morenci. The mine is the second largest in the United States and is one of the oldest copper mines in Arizona . Mining and mineral processing are dominant factors in Morenci’s economy, which employs about two-thirds of the workforce. Morenci is unincorporated and is owned by Phelps Dodge.

Mohave County

Arizona ’s First Territorial Assembly met in 1864 to establish Mohave County. The county was named after the Mohave Indians, who had lived along the Colorado River for many years.

Originally, the county included a section of Nevada. Then in 1865, part of Mohave County split away and became another county called Pah-Ute. Later in 1876, a part of Pah-Ute County and portions of Mohave County officially became the lower section of Nevada. This change in boundaries caused Pah-Ute County to shrink in size. The county was too small to hold the title of county. In 1871, Pah-Ute County dissolved and became a part of Mohave County. There is an interesting fact about Pah-Ute County. After Hoover Dam was constructed and the water was released, the area where Pah-Ute County had once been located soon became Lake Mead.

The county seat has moved many times. It began in Mohave City located on a bluff over the Colorado River near Fort Mohave. Then, it moved to Hardyville. Hardyville was also located along the Colorado River and was a trading center for the area. Later, a bill was written and adopted called “An Act to Permanently Locate the County Seat of Mohave County.” This act moved the seat to the town of Mineral Park. In 1887, an election was held to permanently locate the county seat. This time Kingman was given the honor and it has held on to it ever since. Mohave County is the second largest county in the state. It is situated in the upper northwest corner of the state, bordering California, Nevada and Utah. This location makes it ideal when traveling to other areas. Most of the land is desert, however portions of it are the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mojave and the Colorado River. The county boasts 1,000 miles of shoreline. 

There are many attractions in the county. Pipe Springs National Monument is 15 miles southwest of Fredonia. The natural spring drew the Mormons to the area in 1858. They established a settlement and built a fort. This was the site of Arizona Territory’s first telegraph station. Today, the monument preserves the buildings from the past. Lake Mead National Recreational Area includes a portion of the Colorado River, as it winds its way from the Grand Canyon south to Mexico. As the River travels 240 miles through the recreational area it forms two long lakes. Lake Mohave and Lake Mead offer visitors year round fun. 

There is fishing, boating and camping. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge has marshes, open water and desert landscape. This combination of environments allows many different kinds of wildlife to make the refuge their home. Visitors might see snow goose or even Canadian geese. Lake Havasu State Park was created in 1968 and is the largest state park. The park includes camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking and boating. There is something for everyone.

Mohave County’s motto is “How May We Serve You?” This statement symbolizes the friendliness of the residents and their desire to make your visit one you will remember.

Navajo County

As the last minutes of the Territorial Assembly ticked by before adjourning at midnight, the final act passed establishing Navajo County. Originally, the land that eventually became Navajo County was a part of Yavapai County. Then in 1879, it became part of Apache County. It wasn’t until March 1895 that the county stood on its own as Navajo County.

The name was chosen for the Navajo Indians that live on a large portion of the county’s land. Holbrook was voted the county seat and continues to hold this honor today. It was the 12th county created in the Arizona Territory

The county is situated in the northeast section of the state and encompasses 9,910 square miles. It is a long thin strip of land running north and south. The county is divided into two distinct parts, with the Mogollon Rim as its dividing line. The northern part is arid and desert like. There are mesas and low plateaus. The southern part has rugged mountains and is covered with pinon, juniper and ponderosa pine.

There is an abundance of attractions in Navajo County. Keet Seel Ruins and Betatakin Ruins are in the northern part of the county. The ruins are from the Anasazi Indians dating back nearly 700 years. Almost 135 rooms cling to the cliff’s edge. Visitors need to be prepared to go on a hike to see the ruins. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park stretches 30,000 acres and extends north into Utah. The park has been the site of many movies and commercials. It is a scene that one won’t soon forget. 

There are red sandstone formations sprinkled across the desert floor. The rock has been molded into mesas, tall spires and buttes. You may view the valley by car or take a tour off the road to see things up close. Homolovi Ruins State Park was declared an archeological park in 1986. The ruins are of great importance because there seems to be a link between the Hopi tribe of today and the culture found here. The park is just northeast of Winslow.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreational Area is centered on a 149-acre lake with 800 acres of wilderness skirting its edge. Those wanting to fish will find channel catfish, crappie, bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. Camping is another popular past time at the recreational area.
Navajo County is rich in scenic beauty and cultural history.

Patagonia Arizona

Patagonia is in Southern Arizona . It is in Santa Cruz County. Patagonia lies in a narrow valley surrounded by the Santa Rita Mountains to the north and the Patagonia’s to the south. The town is sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Sonoita Valley”, because of its ideal location. The town is located on State Highway 82 near the Mexican border.

You can get to Patagonia from Tucson by taking Interstate 10 east out of town to just before you get to the town of Benson. Here you will take State Highway 90 south, continue on State Highway 90 until it crosses with State Highway 82. Take State Highway 82 west, until you come to Patagonia. You can get to Patagonia from Nogales by taking State Highway 82 northeast out of town. Then continue on State Highway 82, until you come to Patagonia. It is approximately 18 miles north of the Mexican border.

Patagonia is a great spot to see beautiful green valleys and wonderful wildlife areas. It is a small town that began in mining and cattle ranching. Some of best ranches around are in Patagonia. These ranches are known for breeding the finest cattle and quarter horses.

Today Patagonia’s population is 900. The town sits an elevation of 4,044 feet. The climate is mild all year round. Winter lows are around 40 degrees and summer highs are around 99 degrees. Visitors will find that Patagonia’s natural beauty; small town charm, diverse cultures and numerous outdoor activities make it a perfect stop on your trip through southern Arizona . Patagonia remains a very special place to live and visit.

One of the best attractions near Patagonia are the small wineries. Southern Arizona has several tiny wineries that are a real treat to visit. Due to their proximity, you can spend a day traveling to all of them and enjoying the beautiful scenery in the area.

There are several wineries located in Southern Arizona , near the town of Patagonia. The wineries offer tours and wine tasting. All of the wineries are located fairly close to one another, so you can make a day of sampling Arizona ’s vines. If you can make your trip during the months of August or September, you will see the grapes on the vine. Please do make sure you call in advance to make sure they are open and to guarantee your experience will be a enjoyable one.

One winery is in Patagonia. The Santa Cruz Winery is located in the small town of Patagonia. The winery is open Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 to 5:00 pm. and Thursday through Sunday during the summer months. For more information on this winery, you may call 520-394-2888. In a very small town near Patagonia are two wineries. The Sonoita Vineyards and the Village of Elgin Winery are located in Elgin. The Sonoita Vineyards is open everyday from 10:00 to 4:00 pm.

For information on Sonoita Vineyards, call 520-455-5893. The Village of Elgin is open everyday from 10:00 to 5:00 pm. You may call the Village of Elgin Winery at 520-455-9309. You can get to Elgin from Patagonia by taking State Highway 82 northeast out of town. When you arrive at the town of Sonoita, you will take State Highway 83 south. Just outside of Sonoita, on State Highway 83 you will come across Elgin Road. Turn onto Elgin Road and head east to the town of Elgin.There is yet another southernArizona Newinery, located in Nogales. The Arizona Vineyards is located on the eastern edge of the city.

The vineyard is open everyday from 10:00 to 5:00 pm. For information, you may call 520-287-7972. You can get to the vineyard from Patagonia by taking State Highway 82 southwest out of town. Just as you pass the small town of Beyerville, you will need to be on the lookout for the signs to the vineyards.

There are so many outdoor activities around the small town of Patagonia. The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is known internationally as a premier bird watching location. There are over 250 different species of birds that come to this area every year. The Preserve is a great stop for hikers and birders. Parker Canyon Lake is not far from Patagonia and is terrific for fishing and camping. Patagonia Lake State Park is another wonderful spot to enjoy fishing, camping and boating.

The Indians once referred to the region, in which Patagonia lies as the Enchanted Land. This area has an abundance of water and game. In 1858, the Patagonia Silver Mine opened. The name Patagonia comes from a Spanish word, patagon meaning “the place where the big footed animals hold forth”. The mine later changed hands and became the Mowry Mine, when Sylvester Mowry purchased the mine. The mine is estimated to have made more than 1million in ore. But the mine did not last long.

Then in 1898, Rolin R. Richardson came to the area and founded the town of Rolin. Richardson was from Pennsylvania and came to Arizona to start a ranch and mine. He chose this location because it was close to the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad. In 1899, a post office was created. It was at this time, that the residents voted and changed the name back to Patagonia. The town started to flourish. Patagonia was the shipping center for cattle and ore, due the railroad line going through the center of town. Then in 1948, the town was incorporated. In 1959, the last ore shipment was made and in 1962 the railroad line shut down. The rails were removed and the old depot became the town hall. Today Patagonia is involved in wholesale, retail and services, which keep the town alive.

In town, you will find artistians, ranchers, naturalists and retirees all living and working together to build a community. Patagonia is a town with a commitment to historical preservation and cultural enrichment. You will find the business district located along State Highway 82, which runs through town. This is the heart of Patagonia.

Pearce Arizona

Pearce is in Southern Arizona . It is in Cochise County. The town is located along Interstate 191 between Wilcox and Douglas in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Pearce lies 85 miles southeast of Tucson, 50 miles north of Douglas, 30 miles southeast of Benson and 30 miles southwest of Wilcox.

The area around Pearce draws many because of its mild climate year round and its proximity to major towns. The town sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet. The southwest desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. Many consider Pearce just a ghost town, but the area around Pearce is growing. Many small communities are springing up and Pearce seems to be on its way back.

History:

In 1894, Jimmy Pearce discovered a piece of ore with a golden color inside. Pearce had been a miner in Tombstone, but had purchased a ranch near where the town of Pearce is today. He had the specimen checked out and it was confirmed. There was gold on his property.

All five members of his family had a claim on the mine, which was soon called the Commonwealth Mine. The Commonwealth Mine is estimated to have produced thirty million in gold. Soon a town was established and the mine was booming. Later, Pearce sold out for a quarter of a million.

The peak of production had been realized by 1896. The town had a school, hotels, saloons and a motion-picture theater. At one point, the town hit a population of over a thousand.

The mine did operate until 1904, when cave-ins caused a temporary shutdown. The following year, a cyanide plant was erected and another fortune was made extracting the tailings. The mine closed in the 1930’s and the mining town diminished in size.

Today, all that is left of the mining town is a few ruins. However, the area around Pearce is coming back. Many people are drawn to the area’s climate, history and great location in southern Arizona .

Community Features:

One attraction that has a wealth of information on the culture and art of the Native American is the Amerind Foundation. The foundation is only 19 miles from town. It is a nonprofit archaeological research center and museum focused on the Native American culture of the Southwest and Northern Mexico. There are collections of artifacts from as far as the Artic and South America. It is important to call ahead for times, days and tour information.

An outdoor activity rich with history of the old west is just minutes from town. Cochise Stronghold Canyon was once the hideout for the Apache Indian Chief Cochise and his band of warriors. Today, it is a camping and picnicking ground.

Pima County

Pima County was the last of the four original counties established in1864. It was the second largest, reaching south of the Gila River and covering almost the entire Arizona portion of the Gadsden Purchase. As time went on, the counties of Maricopa, Pinal, Cochise, Graham and Santa Cruz were carved out of it. Today, it covers 9,184 square miles.

The name “Pima” came from the Spaniards traveling through this area. During their journeys, they came across the Indians. The Spanish gave them the name Pima, after asking them their name and their response was “pim.” This word actually means “no,” but the term stuck. The county and the Indians living here still hold onto the name Pima.

Tucson is the county seat. It was also the Arizona Territorial Capital from 1867 to 1877. The town was also selected to be the home of the University of Arizona . In 1891, classes began with just 32 students and 6 teachers. Needless to say, the school has grown. Currently, it is one of the top research universities in the nation and Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona .

Pima County has countless attractions for visitors to see. The Mission of San Xavier del Bac began construction in 1793 and was completed in 1797. Since its completion, it has served the Tohono O’odham Indian community. There is a museum located near the mission, where you will find more information. Those in the area sometimes refer to the mission as “The Dove of the Desert.” It is a beautiful sight set against the desert landscape. Services are still conducted today. Saguaro National Monument is actually divided into two sections. One is located to the east of Tucson and other is to the west.

The eastern part has a drive through the magnificent saguaros. There is a visitor center, hiking trails and picnic areas available. The western section also has a driving tour, hiking trails, visitor center and picnic area. This monument is a perfect place to learn more about the Sonoran Desert and how important the giant saguaro is to those living here. In 1937, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was created to protect the organ pipe cactus living in this region. There are over 250 species of birds and animals living at the monument. Two drives through the monument allow visitors to see some of the rare cactus.

The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the fragile riparian environment in this area. Endangered bobwhite quail, Gambel quail, mule deer and javelina live in this region. Those traveling to the refuge should find out more about where to hike, before heading out. The Catalina State Park covers 5,500 acres near the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers numerous hiking trails that cross scenic areas. A unique section of the park is the equestrian center. The center provides trailer parking and riding trails. Bird watching, camping and picnicking are more of the activities that visitors enjoy during a trip to the park.

Sabino Canyon Recreational Area is a gorgeous canyon within the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the Coronado National Forest. Visitors will be amazed at the numbers of wildlife. There is a tram available to take those up to the higher sections of the other trailheads. Sabino Canyon is located just northeast of Tucson.
Pima County has wonderful scenery for those to explore.

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