Arizona, America’s 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be itted to the Union may have only been an official state since 1912, but its history dates far beyond that timeline.
Arizona’s history has everything from riches and outlaws to territory wars and Native American tribes. The tales of Arizona’s journey to becoming an established part of America lie within its most famous and even forgotten towns.
Keep reading to explore Arizona’s most historic towns.
Tombstone
Tombstone, also known as the town “too tough to die”, is an old silver mining town that embraces its wild west roots. The town is known for having an exciting and dangerous history that has everything from infamous gun fights and territory wars with the Apache Indians to silver mining.
In 1877, silver miner Ed Schieffelin left his army post in Southeastern Arizona and made his way toward the Dragoon Mountains with high hopes of finding wealth in silver prospecting. When Ed left, his fellow soldiers warned him that the only thing he would find was his own tombstone. So, when he did strike silver, he set up a mining camp and renamed the area “Tombstone”.
Tombstone was actually Apache Indian territory called Goose Flats, and the tribe was willing to fight for their land. During the time Ed and his lawless crew occupied the land, they battled many people including the Apaches, travelers, and lawmen (the infamous O.K. Corral shootout).
Today, Tombstone is well preserved and is a top tourist destination featuring various shows and reenactments. Visitors can drink at the saloon, go antiquing, shop for leather goods, and participate in wild west activities.
Hyder
Hyder is an old ghost town, abandoned after General George S. Patton and his forces used the land as a US Army installation subcamp for training during world war II. Since the war, the baron land has remained desolate, and forgotten by most. The town’s small population of 17 people and the few army veterans that visit the area to reminisce have maintained the historical area for nearly a decade.
Although the small two-mile town has not been repopulated in 100 years, Hyder is going down in history again but this time for being the first Arizona town to sew hemp seeds after cultivation became legal in the state.
Hyder has always been filled with underappreciated historical significance and the cultivation of hemp and medical marijuana will reignite the town’s culture and change the trajectory of Arizona’s future. Visit Veriheal.com to be a part of the state’s new medical marijuana community.
Prescott
In 1863, a group of explorers led by Lieutenant Amiel W. Whipple settled into the southwestern town that is now known as Prescott. Whipple and his fellow explorers, like many others at the time, were on a hunt for silver and gold. They chose the land as their home because the surrounding area was rich in mineral deposits.
Just one year later, in 1864, Prescott became the capital of the Arizona territory and served as the territory’s istrative and political center until it was moved to Phoenix in 1889.
During this time, America and Mexico were finalizing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which would signify the end of the American-Mexican war. In the of this treaty, Mexico would cede many territories which included California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and parts of Arizona.
The not-yet-settled area of Prescott was included in this Arizona territory. Current residents of the town hold a deep appreciation for its Mexican-American roots which is reflected in its various attractions, events, and historical signage scattered throughout the city.
Tubac
The first Europeans to settle in Arizona were Spanish priest Marcos de Niza and his followers in 1539. The group traveled the land looking for mineral-rich soil and hoping to establish missions.
Because of war and epidemics, it took nearly 200 years but the Spanish began building permanent communities which included a presidio (a fortified military settlement). Tubac was one of the settlements built during that time and the stone presidio still stands today.
A decade later, Tubac, Like many other Arizona towns, was hit with a gold and silver rush which caused a population boom. Many east coast entrepreneurs moved into the territory to mine, helping Tubac become established as a town.
Tubac is unique compared to its neighboring Arizona cities because, in the mid 1900s, it developed a rich arts culture. In 1945, famous landscape artist Dale Nichols came to the area to paint the scenery. The presence of this artist attracted other prominent artists like Hal Empie and Hugh Cabot. In 1948, Nichols opened an art school, and the restoration of Tupac’s history began.
Today, Tubac visitors can explore various art galleries, activities, and festivals inspired by the town’s history.
Header image: StellarD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
