When you begin to talk about Sedona, you need to go back 350 million years. Sedona is known for its strikingly beautiful and colorful rock formations. These were created long ago from oceans, deserts and volcanic eruptions that have occurred is this spot. All of these geological events resulted in the gorgeous sights we see today. Nature’s forces have cut through the layers of rock exposing the different colors and formations.

In 700 A.D. the Hohokam Indians moved to the area and used irrigation for their crops. Then the Sinaguan Indians resided in this spot. The word Sinagua means “without water”. These people relied on rainfall. In 1066 A.D. the Sinaguan left because of a volcanic eruption.

Later, the Anasazi Indians built multistoried dwellings. But in 1300’s something happened and the Anasazi’s disappeared.

It wasn’t until 1583, before a European took step into the area. Antonio de Espejo came to in search of gold. After discovering nothing, he left. Finally in 1876, John “Jim” Thompson built a cabin along Oak Creek. He became the first permanent white resident. Eventually, C.J. “Bear” Howard, an escaped convict from California, also set up residence in the canyon.In 1901, Theodore and Sedona Schnebly moved to the area and bought 80 acres. Growing vegetables and fruit was their mainstay. The Schnebly’s would haul their produce up to Flagstaff and return. They also wanted to establish a post office. The Schnebly’s sent off their request for a post office but were denied.

The name they had chosen, “Schnebly Station” was too long. Theodore’s brother, Ellsworth encouraged Theodore to use the name “Sedona”, in honor of his wife. The town was officially named Sedona in 1902. Sedona became popular in 1923, when Zane Grey wrote the book “Call of the Canyon”. Then later, the story was filmed in the book’s actual setting, Sedona. The silent film was a hit and many other movies decided to use Sedona as the sight to do their filming. As a matter of fact, many Hollywood stars have made films in the red rock country such as: Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Gene Autry and Robert DeNiro.

In the 1950’s several artists and writers made Sedona their home and soon the Cowboy Artists of American was founded. In 1965, Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, John Hampton and Robert MacLeod created the group to perpetuate the memory and culture of the Old West. Sedona continues to grow today. Tourism is helps the town survive. The town wasn’t incorporated until
1988.