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Nestled in the heart of downtown Florence, Arizona, at the corner of Main and Ruggles streets, McFarland State Historic Park offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Arizona’s territorial past. This small but significant historic park preserves the oldest standing courthouse in Arizona, built in 1878, which once served as the center of civic life in Florence during the frontier era. The park is named after Ernest W. McFarland (1894-1984), one of Arizona’s most dedicated public servants who served as a U.S. Senator, Governor of Arizona, and Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court – the only Arizonan to have served in the highest offices of all three branches of state government.
McFarland’s connection to the site runs deep – he worked at the courthouse early in his career, and later purchased the historic building in 1974, donating it to the Arizona State Parks Board. The park holds special significance in Arizona’s conservation history as it was in this very courthouse that McFarland, as governor, signed legislation creating the Arizona State Parks Board in 1957. Today, the park serves as both a museum showcasing territorial Arizona history and as the Florence Visitor Center, providing tourists with information about local and regional attractions.
The park stands as a testament to Florence’s rich frontier heritage, with its adobe structure representing a transition between Sonoran and Anglo-American architectural styles. For visitors interested in Arizona history, McFarland State Historic Park offers an authentic immersion into the challenges and triumphs of life in the American Southwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The centerpiece of McFarland State Historic Park is the meticulously preserved adobe courthouse built in 1878, one of Arizona’s oldest public buildings. Visitors can explore the original courtroom, judge’s chambers, and jail cells that have been restored to reflect their appearance during the territorial period. Interpretive displays explain the building’s evolving roles as a courthouse, hospital, and health center throughout its long history, illustrating the development of public institutions in early Arizona.
The park serves as a gateway to historic Florence, with staff providing walking tour maps highlighting the town’s remarkable concentration of 19th and early 20th century buildings. The courthouse itself exemplifies Sonoran Adobe architecture, while nearby structures showcase diverse styles including Victorian, Territorial, and Mission Revival. This self-guided exploration connects McFarland Park to the broader historical context of one of Arizona’s best-preserved historic downtowns.
Within the historic building, visitors can step inside the preserved sheriff’s office and jail cells that once housed notorious outlaws. These spaces provide tangible connections to frontier law enforcement practices and the challenges of maintaining order in territorial Arizona. Exhibits detail famous cases, escape attempts, and the daily routines of both prisoners and lawmen during the building’s years as the Pinal County Courthouse.
McFarland Park houses the official Florence Visitor Center, where knowledgeable staff provide information about regional attractions, accommodations, and dining options. Interactive displays showcase area highlights including nearby state parks, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural sites. This resource helps visitors maximize their experience in the Florence area beyond the historic park itself.
The park’s gallery space hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both historical photography and contemporary Arizona artists. These curated displays often focus on themes relevant to regional history, natural environments, or cultural traditions. The combination of historic architecture and changing art exhibits creates a dynamic visitor experience that rewards repeat visits throughout the year.
Throughout the year, the park hosts living history events featuring costumed interpreters demonstrating various aspects of territorial-era life. These interactive presentations might include demonstrations of adobe brick making, period cooking techniques, vintage printing presses, or frontier justice procedures. These events bring history to life through hands-on activities and direct engagement with historical practices.
The park maintains a small research area with resources for genealogy and local history investigation. Visitors researching family connections to Florence or Pinal County can access archival materials, historical photographs, and reference books. Staff provide guidance for those interested in deepening their understanding of regional history or tracing ancestral connections to the area.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Florence, Arizona |
| Established | 1979 |
| Building Age | Constructed in 1878 |
| Original Purpose | Pinal County’s first courthouse |
| Architectural Style | Territorial adobe |
| Historical Uses | Courthouse, hospital, jail, and Arizona’s first state prison |
| Named After | Ernest McFarland (Arizona governor, U.S. senator, state supreme court justice) |
| Current Function | Museum and visitor center for Florence |
| Museum Features | Historical exhibits on Florence, Ernest McFarland, and territorial Arizona |
| Notable Collections | Original courtroom, prison artifacts, local pioneer memorabilia |
| Renovation | Restored after damage from 2008 monsoon storms |
| Reopened | February 2011 following restoration |
| Managed By | Arizona State Parks in partnership with Florence |
| Nearby Attractions | Florence Historic District, Tom Mix Memorial |
| Historical Significance | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places |
| Hours | Typically open Tuesday-Saturday, limited hours |
| Admission | Free or modest donation requested |
McFarland State Historic Park, unlike many traditional state parks focused on natural landscapes, is primarily centered around its historic buildings. The park is situated in Florence, a desert town located along the Gila River in central Arizona. The surrounding landscape features the characteristic Sonoran Desert terrain, with its iconic saguaro cacti and diverse desert flora adapted to the arid conditions.
The park’s historical significance is intrinsically tied to the natural resources of the region. The original 1878 courthouse structure exemplifies how early settlers adapted to the desert environment by utilizing native materials. The building’s adobe brick walls were constructed using soil from the immediate area, formed into bricks and laid on a trench foundation filled with river rocks from the nearby Gila River. This building technique demonstrates how early Arizona settlers worked with, rather than against, the natural environment.
While the park itself doesn’t feature extensive natural areas, its small courtyard provides shade trees and a pleasant outdoor space for visitors. The courtyard, situated at the rear of the building where the original jail once stood, now offers picnic tables under shade trees, providing a respite from Arizona’s summer heat.
The park’s location in Florence connects it to the broader natural context of the Gila River valley, which has supported human habitation for centuries. The river provided critical water resources that allowed settlements like Florence to develop in the otherwise harsh desert environment, and the fertile valley supported agricultural activities that helped the community thrive.
While McFarland State Historic Park’s primary focus is historical preservation rather than natural conservation, the park’s courtyard and surrounding areas do host some native Sonoran Desert plant species. Visitors spending time in the courtyard may notice shade trees that provide welcome relief from the Arizona sun, representative of the adapted vegetation that can thrive in this arid environment.
The park’s urban setting in downtown Florence means wildlife encounters are limited compared to Arizona’s larger wilderness parks. However, visitors relaxing in the courtyard might observe some of the desert’s more adaptable wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals that have acclimated to human presence. Common bird species that might be spotted include hummingbirds, wrens, finches, cardinals, and occasionally hawks or falcons soaring overhead. Ground squirrels may also make appearances in the courtyard area.
For those interested in experiencing more of Arizona’s rich biodiversity, several nearby natural areas offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities:
Tonto National Forest: Located north of Florence, this forest encompasses nearly 3 million acres with diverse ecosystems ranging from saguaro-studded desert to pine-forested mountains. This expansive wilderness area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous bird species.
Gila River: Flowing just south of Florence, the river creates a riparian corridor that attracts a variety of wildlife, especially birds. The river valley has historically been an important ecosystem in this arid region, supporting both wildlife and human settlements for centuries.
Seasonal changes in the desert around Florence bring different wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year:
McFarland State Historic Park offers a unique blend of historical exploration and educational opportunities that distinguish it from Arizona’s larger outdoor recreation parks. As a historic site, the primary activities revolve around learning about Arizona’s territorial past through museum exhibits and guided experiences.
The cornerstone experience at McFarland State Historic Park is exploring the preserved 1878 courthouse building, which has been transformed into a museum. Visitors can walk through the original seven-room adobe structure to view exhibits that document life in territorial Arizona and the building’s evolution from courthouse to jail to hospital. The museum features displays of historical artifacts, including medical equipment from when the building served as a county hospital, and exhibits detailing the park’s namesake, Ernest McFarland, and his significant contributions to Arizona.
For an enhanced learning experience, the park offers guided walking tours of Florence’s downtown historic district by appointment. These tours provide context for the courthouse within the broader historical setting of Florence, which has nearly 150 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Educational groups and schools can arrange special courtroom talks and guided walks through the building, offering students an immersive history lesson.
The park also hosts periodic special events and educational programs:
For families visiting with children aged 6-12, the Junior Ranger program offers an engaging way for young visitors to connect with history. Children can complete activity sheets, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and receive a badge, fostering an appreciation for preservation and history from an early age.
McFarland State Historic Park does not offer camping facilities or overnight accommodations within the park boundaries, as it is primarily a day-use historic site and museum. However, visitors to Florence interested in extending their stay in the area have several accommodation options in and around the town to suit various preferences and budgets.
For those seeking traditional camping experiences, the surrounding region offers several options. While not directly affiliated with the park, these nearby facilities provide opportunities to experience Arizona’s outdoor environment while maintaining proximity to McFarland State Historic Park and other Florence attractions:
Rancho Sonora RV Park: Located near Florence, this facility provides amenities designed to make desert camping comfortable, serving as a convenient base for exploring McFarland State Historic Park and other local attractions. The combination inn and RV park format offers flexibility for visitors with different accommodation preferences.
Dispersed Camping Areas: More adventurous campers might consider dispersed camping opportunities in the vicinity, such as areas along Cottonwood Canyon Road. While these locations lack developed facilities, they offer a more immersive experience in Arizona’s natural landscape. These areas require self-sufficiency, as amenities are limited to what campers bring with them.
Schnepf Farms Campground: An extension of a local working farm and event venue, this presents another unique overnight option that complements a visit to McFarland. This agricultural setting provides a different perspective on the region’s heritage and current economy.
For visitors preferring hotel accommodations, Florence and nearby communities offer several options:
Green Tree Inn & Suites: Located approximately one mile from the park, provides amenities including comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and an indoor pool. This pet-friendly establishment offers a convenient base for exploring McFarland State Historic Park and other Florence attractions.
Historic Bed and Breakfasts: Those interested in a more immersive historical experience might investigate bed and breakfast establishments in Florence’s historic district. These accommodations, often in restored historic buildings, can enhance the sense of connection to the area’s past that begins with a visit to McFarland State Historic Park.
For visitors planning an extended regional tour of Arizona’s historic sites, it’s worth noting that several other Arizona State Historic Parks offer camping facilities, though McFarland does not. Planning a multi-day itinerary that includes these parks can provide a comprehensive overview of Arizona’s diverse history while taking advantage of camping opportunities at other locations.
McFarland State Historic Park maintains seasonal operating hours to accommodate visitor patterns throughout the year:
When planning your visit, consider that the best times to experience McFarland State Historic Park and the surrounding Florence historic district are during the cooler months from October through April. Summer temperatures in this region can regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), making outdoor exploration challenging. Winter and spring offer mild, pleasant conditions that are ideal for walking tours of the historic downtown area.
Admission to McFarland State Historic Park is $5 per person, with children 18 and under admitted free of charge. This relatively modest fee helps support the preservation and operation of this important historic site. The park accepts various payment methods, and visitors should be prepared to pay upon arrival.
The park is easily accessible by car and is located in downtown Florence at the corner of Main and Ruggles streets. Visitors should note that parking is limited to city streets adjacent to the park, as there is no dedicated parking lot.
Florence, Arizona experiences a desert climate with distinct seasonal variations that visitors should consider when planning their trip:
Summer (June through September): Very hot conditions, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F (38°C). During these months, early morning visits are recommended to avoid the most intense heat of the day.
Winter (December through February): Mild daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C), making this an ideal season for exploring both the indoor museum and the outdoor historic district. Evenings can be cool, sometimes dropping into the 40s°F (4-9°C).
Spring (March through May): Pleasant temperatures and occasional wildflower blooms in the surrounding desert areas.
Fall (October through November): Offers a gradual cooling from summer’s heat.
Rainfall is limited throughout the year, with the most significant precipitation occurring during the summer monsoon season (July-September), when brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms may develop. These storms typically pass quickly but can bring sudden heavy rainfall.
McFarland State Historic Park strives to accommodate visitors of all abilities. The historic courthouse building has been modified to improve accessibility while maintaining its historical integrity. The park is recognized as a Certified Autism Center™, indicating staff training and facilities designed to better serve visitors on the autism spectrum.
Given the historic nature of the building, some limitations may exist, and visitors with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the park in advance to discuss specific needs. The courtyard area with picnic tables provides a more accessible outdoor space for those who may find the historic building challenging to navigate.
Pets are welcome in the outdoor picnic areas of McFarland State Historic Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pet owners are required to clean up after their animals and ensure they do not disturb other visitors. Service animals are the only animals permitted inside the museum building, in accordance with accessibility laws.
Cell phone reception is generally reliable in downtown Florence, including the area around McFarland State Historic Park. While the historic building itself may have some signal limitations due to its thick adobe walls, visitors should be able to maintain cellular connectivity in most areas of the park.
The Florence Chamber of Commerce, which operates the visitor center within the park, may provide information about public Wi-Fi access points in the downtown area for visitors needing internet connectivity during their visit.
McFarland State Historic Park, though compact in size, offers several facilities and amenities designed to enhance visitor experience while preserving the historical integrity of this significant site. The park serves dual functions as both a historic museum and the Florence Visitor Center, making it an ideal first stop for travelers exploring the region.
The central feature of the park is the historic 1878 courthouse building, a seven-room adobe structure that houses museum exhibits chronicling the history of Florence and territorial Arizona. Each room of the former courthouse has been preserved and interpreted to showcase different aspects of its varied past as a courthouse, jail, hospital, and public health center. The building itself is historically significant as one of Arizona’s oldest public buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Florence Visitor Center, operated by the Florence Chamber of Commerce, occupies part of the historic building and provides valuable resources for tourists. Visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and expert advice on local attractions, dining options, and accommodations. The staff often includes knowledgeable volunteers who can share insights about Florence’s history and recommend personalized itineraries based on visitor interests.
For groups visiting the park, the historic courtroom space can be reserved for special events or meetings. This room features a bench that seats four people plus approximately 35 chairs, offering a unique historical setting for gatherings. Reservation fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, and interested parties should contact the park directly for information about availability and costs.
The park’s gift shop offers a selection of items created by local artisans, books about Arizona history, and themed souvenirs. These items provide both mementos of a visit and opportunities to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage. Purchases support the ongoing preservation and educational efforts of the park.
Outside the main building, a pleasant courtyard provides a space for visitors to relax and reflect. This area includes three picnic tables and a grill situated under shade trees, offering a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal or snack. The courtyard occupies the space where the original jail – a small adobe cubicle without windows – once stood, providing an interesting contrast between historical confinement and present-day enjoyment.
Restroom facilities are available for visitor use during operating hours. While the historic nature of the building means that some modern conveniences may be limited compared to newer facilities, efforts have been made to provide essential amenities while preserving historical authenticity.
For educational groups, the park offers special programs and accommodations. School groups can arrange courtroom talks and guided walks through the building, providing students with immersive historical learning experiences. The park’s status as a Certified Autism Center™ reflects staff training and facility considerations designed to create a welcoming environment for visitors on the autism spectrum.
McFarland State Historic Park serves as an excellent starting point for exploring a diverse array of attractions in and around Florence, Arizona. The park’s function as the Florence Visitor Center makes it particularly valuable for travelers seeking to discover the broader regional offerings.
Within Florence itself, history enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s exceptionally well-preserved historic district, which includes nearly 150 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Many homes in this district share architectural features with McFarland State Historic Park, featuring thick adobe walls and covered patio spaces that were designed to mitigate the desert heat. A self-guided walking tour of these historic structures offers insights into early settlement patterns and architectural adaptations to the Arizona climate.
Pinal County Historical Museum: Just a few blocks south of McFarland on Main Street, this museum provides additional perspectives on regional history. Founded in 1958, it houses diverse exhibits including cactus furniture, farm implements, and materials about Florence’s historic district and the Second Territorial Prison. Their research collection supports both academic and community-based historical investigations.
Arizona Rangers Museum: Military history enthusiasts may be interested in this museum, which preserves the legacy of this law enforcement organization that played a significant role in territorial Arizona. Local volunteers at this free museum often share engaging stories about Prohibition-era Florence and other colorful chapters in the town’s history.
Approximately 10 miles west of Florence lies one of Arizona’s most significant archaeological sites, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This protected area preserves an ancient Hohokam farming community and its impressive “Great House” structure. Established as the nation’s first archaeological reserve in 1892 and designated a National Monument in 1918, this site offers a compelling glimpse into indigenous agricultural innovation and community organization that predated European settlement by centuries.
For those interested in religious history and architecture, St. Anthony’s Monastery, located at 4784 N. St. Joseph’s Way in Florence, represents a more recent addition to the area’s cultural landscape. This Eastern Orthodox monastery is one of ten established in North America by Father Ephraim of Mt. Athos, Greece, and provides visitors with an unexpected glimpse of Byzantine architectural traditions in the Arizona desert.
Nature enthusiasts have several excellent options within driving distance:
Tonto National Forest: This massive forest encompasses nearly 3 million acres north of Florence, ranging from saguaro-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim. This varied landscape offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploration of diverse ecosystems.
Apache Trail Historic Road: Located within Tonto National Forest, this route traverses some of Arizona’s most rugged and scenic terrain. This drive takes visitors through steep-sided canyons, dramatic rock formations, and stunning desert vistas. The approximately five-hour drive makes for a rewarding day trip from Florence.
Reservoir Lakes: Water recreation opportunities can be found at several reservoir lakes in the region, including Saguaro Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Roosevelt Lake, formed by the historic Theodore Roosevelt Dam, spans over 17,000 acres when full and offers diverse recreational activities.
McFarland State Historic Park represents an important nexus of historic preservation and cultural conservation in Arizona. While not focused on natural resource conservation like many larger state parks, this site plays a crucial role in preserving Arizona’s built heritage and the stories of those who shaped the state’s development.
The park itself stands as a testament to conservation principles applied to historic structures. The 1878 courthouse building has been carefully preserved to maintain its architectural integrity while adapting to serve new purposes as a museum and visitor center. This adaptive reuse represents sustainable stewardship of cultural resources, giving new life and relevance to a structure that might otherwise have been lost to time and development.
Ernest W. McFarland, the park’s namesake, played a pivotal role in Arizona’s conservation history. As governor, McFarland signed the legislation creating the Arizona State Parks Board in 1957, establishing the framework for protecting the state’s natural and cultural treasures. It is particularly fitting that the building where this legislation was signed later became one of the historic parks preserved under this system. McFarland also contributed significantly to water conservation in Arizona through his support for the Central Arizona Project, which delivers Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona.
Visitors to the park can learn about these conservation efforts through exhibits detailing McFarland’s legacy and the history of public lands protection in Arizona. The park thus serves an educational function, helping visitors understand the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage.
For those interested in contributing to conservation efforts, McFarland State Historic Park offers volunteer opportunities. The park and visitor center are operated with substantial support from volunteers through the Florence Chamber of Commerce. These volunteers help maintain the site, provide interpretive services, and enhance the visitor experience while supporting the preservation mission.
By preserving and interpreting this historic courthouse, McFarland State Historic Park contributes to maintaining the character and identity of Florence’s remarkable historic district. This preservation work supports heritage tourism, which provides economic benefits to the community while encouraging the continuation of conservation efforts.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles during their visit, particularly when using the courtyard picnic area. By properly disposing of waste, respecting the historic structures, and following park guidelines, each visitor becomes a partner in the ongoing stewardship of this significant historic site.
McFarland State Historic Park stands as a living testament to Arizona’s rich and multifaceted history, particularly the formative territorial period that shaped the state’s development. The 1878 courthouse at the heart of the park is not merely a well-preserved building but a symbol of Arizona’s journey from frontier territory to statehood and beyond.
The building itself represents a fascinating architectural transition between Sonoran traditions and Anglo-American influences. The adobe brick walls, made from local soil and laid on a foundation of river rocks, reflect indigenous and Hispanic building techniques adapted to the desert environment. Meanwhile, the wood-shingled pitched roof showcases Anglo-American architectural elements introduced as settlers moved westward. This architectural hybridity mirrors the cultural blending that characterized Arizona’s territorial development.
The structure’s evolution from courthouse to hospital to welfare center parallels the changing needs and priorities of the Florence community over time:
Florence, established in 1866 by Levi Ruggles (often called the “Father of Florence”), grew around the Gila River, which provided vital water resources in the arid environment. The town’s development as the “garden city,” a green respite from the surrounding desert, illustrates the critical relationship between water resources and settlement patterns in the American Southwest. The courthouse became the centerpiece of this community, hosting not only official business but also weekly public dances and social gatherings that fostered community bonds on the frontier.
The indigenous history of the region adds another important dimension to the cultural context of McFarland State Historic Park. The area around Florence was home to ancient Hohokam farming communities, whose sophisticated irrigation techniques presaged later agricultural development. The nearby Casa Grande Ruins National Monument preserves evidence of these indigenous innovations that made desert agriculture possible centuries before European contact.
Ernest W. McFarland, the park’s namesake, embodied Arizona’s political development through his unprecedented service in all three branches of state government – as U.S. Senator, Governor, and Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. Beyond his Arizona contributions, McFarland made national impact through co-authoring the G.I. Bill, earning him recognition as the “Father of the G.I. Bill.” His purchase and donation of the historic courthouse building demonstrated his commitment to preserving Arizona’s heritage for future generations.
During World War II, Florence’s history intersected with global events through the establishment of a prisoner of war camp for German and Italian soldiers. Exhibits at McFarland State Historic Park document this unexpected chapter in the town’s history, when international conflict brought foreign soldiers to this small Arizona community.
The park also preserves the McFarland collection of papers and photographs, an invaluable resource for researchers studying Arizona’s political development. This archival material, organized with assistance from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, ensures that primary source documents from this significant period remain accessible to scholars and the public.
By maintaining this historic structure and interpreting its varied uses through time, McFarland State Historic Park helps visitors connect with the lived experiences of those who built Arizona from a rugged territory into a modern state. The park stands as a physical reminder that history is not abstract but embodied in the places where people governed, healed, gathered, and created community under challenging frontier conditions.