Seligman, birthplace of historic U.S. Route 66, is in
Yavapai County at the junction of Route 66 and Interstate 40, and
is equal driving distance from Flagstaff, Kingman and Prescott. The
community is 75 miles north of Prescott, the county seat.
Seligman was known as Mint Valley to pioneers on the Beale
Wagon Road and as Prescott Junction during the early railroad
years. The town was renamed Seligman by officials of the A & P
Railroad (which later became the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe line)
to honor Jesse Seligman, a prominent New York banker responsible
for financing railroad construction and companies. J. & W. Seligman
& Company remains a prestigious investment firm headquartered in
New York. The first post office was erected in 1886. Seligman, at a
5,242- foot elevation, celebrated its Centennial in 1986 and is unincorporated.
Seligman's motels, restaurants and service stations on Historic Route
66 provide the main sources of community income by serving residents,
tourists and hunters passing through Arizona on I-40. In
November 1987, the State of Arizona dedicated old U.S. Route 66
from Seligman to Kingman as Historic Route 66, due to the efforts
of the Seligman Chamber of Commerce. The dedication will assure
the preservation of the longest remaining stretch of old Route 66
left in the United States and an increase in tourism in northwest
Arizona.
Seligman also serves as a supply center for the cattle ranching operations
in the area. The Santa Fe Railway adds to the town's economic
livelihood by maintaining facilities that serve its main line,
which passes through Seligman.
A multi-million dollar expansion of the facilities of the mine operated
by the Chemstar Company, 25 miles west of Seligman, has
brought in many new families and increased job opportunities and
business in the community.
Many of Arizona's scenic attractions are readily accessible from
Seligman. The Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the
world, is a two-hour drive from Seligman. Located west of
Seligman, just off Historic Route 66, are the Grand Canyon Caverns
and the Supai Indian Village in Havasupai Canyon. The Prescott,
Kaibab and Coconino National Forests are all within a short distance
of the community and offer recreational opportunities including
hunting and fishing, scenic drives and camping. Also located in the
national forests are Indian ruins, wilderness and natural areas, and
several national monuments. Winter sports activities are available
in nearby Williams at the Bill Williams Ski Area and at the
San Francisco Peaks, north of Flagstaff.