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Cultural Heritage in Arizona
The traces of history interweave in the rugged terrain of Arizona’s central territory. Within a radius of 50 miles you can explore prehistoric cliff dwellings, pan for gold in Lynx Creek, visit a cavalry post from the 1860s, and experience an old mining town still clinging to the slopes of Mingus Mountain.
Prehistoric people known as the Sinagua occupied the central Arizona territory between 500 and 1300 AD. They lived by hunting, gathering, and farming corn. They built their farmsteads on the hilltops and in the canyon recesses. Montezuma’s Castle, Tuzigoot, Palatki and Honanki ruins are the remnants of this early culture.
Members of the Pai people have roamed these lands for centuries. They saw the arrival of the Walker expedition as it searched Prescott area rivers and creeks for gold. In May, 1863 a member of this party made a glittering discovery. When gold was found in Lynx Creek Western settlers flooded the area. In nearby Jerome, miners came in search of copper ore. The lure of quick riches and the vast expanses of open spaces brought miners, ranchers, and farmers to settle the area.
This historic legacy still characterizes the streets and landscapes of Arizona’s central territory. While the communities have grown and life is certainly more comfortable, these communities still retain their formative history as part of their essential character. They offer wonderful opportunities to experience a taste of Western expansion, prehistory, culture, and a delightful mix of amenities.
Our cultural itinerary draws on the past but also looks toward the future. Arcosanti is a visionary community built to meld with its environment. Galleries of contemporary art, performance venues, and architectural design projects speak to an area that is rich in creativity and art.
Agua Fria National Monument
(602) 417-9300
http://www.az.blm.gov/aguafria/pmesa.htm
This national monument contains many archaeological and petroglyph sites and can be accessed from Bloody Basin Road or Badger Spring Road. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
The monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. Elevations range from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. This expansive mosaic of semi-desert area, cut by ribbons of valuable riparian forest, offers one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Arcosanti
Box 4136, Mayer, AZ 86333
(928) 632-7135
Arcosanti is designed according to the concept of arcology (architecture + ecology), developed by Italian architect Paolo Soleri. In an arcology, the building and the residents interact as organs would in a highly evolved being. This means many systems work together, with efficient circulation of people and resources, multi-use buildings, and solar orientation for lighting, heating and cooling.
Camp Verde Historic Buildings
PO Box 1184, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928) 567-9560
The Camp Verde Historical Society has been restoring, preserving, and reconstructing buildings of historic importance in Camp Verde. The George Hance House was the residence of George Hance, a dominant force in Camp Verde’s history. He built the house in the early 1900s and the furnishings, as well as the antique clothing, tools and books, are representative of this period. Construction of the Clear Creek Church was begun in 1898 and completed in 1903. The Church was restored from 1975-79. The Historical Society office is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
780 Chapel Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-4069
http://www.diocesephoenix.com/parish/st_john_vianney_sed/chapel.htm
The Chapel of the Holy Cross rises 200 feet from the ground. Nestled among two large red rock formations, it was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The chapel was built in 1956 and uses a ramp for its entrance. Sunrise is a great time to visit as the early rays of light travel through the Chapel’s large stain-glass windows.
Clemenceau Heritage Museum
1 N. Willard, Cottonwood
(928) 634-2868
Early mining and RR days in the Verde Valley.
Fitzmaurice Prescott Tradition Ruin
Fain Park, Prescott Valley, AZ
(928) 759-3090
Call for hours
Fort Verde State Park
PO Box 397, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
8am-5pm daily
(928) 567-3275,
http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/parkhtml/fortverde.html
Military occupation of the Verde Valley began in 1865 at the request of settlers who had established farms near the Verde River-West Clear Creek junction five miles south of downtown modern Camp Verde. The first military post (1865) overlooked the farms at West Clear Creek. This tent camp lasted only 5-6 months. The next post, Camp Lincoln, sat on a hill located at the confluence of the Verde River and Beaver Creek. It was later named Camp Verde. In 1868 the post was renamed Camp Verde. The present post was built between 1871-1873 and was renamed Fort Verde in 1879.
The infantry built a wagon road west to Fort Whipple near Prescott and east to Fort Apache, it became a major travel route for military and supplies across Arizona Territory now known as the General Crook Road. The fort was abandoned in 1891 to the Department of the Interior, which sold it at public auction in 1899. In1956 local citizens began an effort to save what was left of the fort's buildings. Today Fort Verde is managed by Arizona State Parks.
Fort Whipple Museum
Hwy 89
(928) 445-3122
This is a new museum occupying the former officer's quarters built in 1905. This museum interprets the military and medical history of the Arizona territory and statehood from 1864 to1924. Call the Sharlot Hall Museum for further information.
Jerome Historical Society Mining Museum
On Main St. in Uptown Jerome
(928) 634-1066
http://www.jeromehistoricalsociety.org/
Jerome State Historic Park
The old Douglas Mansion is now a history museum.
(928) 634-5381
http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/parkhtml/jerome
Montezuma Castle National Monument
2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928) 567-3275
http://www.nps.gov/moca/
Well preserved Sinaguan limestone cliff dwelling & museum east from I-17 exit 289.
Phippen Museum of Western Art
4701 Highway 89 North, Prescott, AZ 86301
Ph. (928) 778-1385 Fax (928) 778-4524
The Phippen Museum is a fine arts museum whose purpose is to enhance the quality of cultural life in central Arizona for its members and the public through exhibits and educational programs featuring the collectors, artists, art and history of the American West, and to collect and preserve fine art and artifacts. Exhibits change throughout the year.
Devoted to Southwest prehistory. Lectures, workshops and many events in this museum built like a Hopi pueblo. Annual Navajo Rug Auction in July.
Route 66 – “The Mother Road”
For forty years, Route 66 was the main highway connecting Los Angeles and Chicago. America traveled 2,400 miles of Route 66 in the 1920's-60's as they crossed the western half of the United States. It was eventually replaced in the 60s and 70s by the more efficient interstate system. The road became the subject of countless songs, films, books and legends. Today, the nostalgic traveler can find experience a bit of the magic in Seligman and Ash Fork. Visit the wonderful old trading posts, filling stations, motels, tourist traps, and diners and villages along scenic Route 66.
Sedona Heritage Museum
PO Box 10216, Sedona, AZ, 86339
(928) 282-7038
http://www.sedonamuseum.org
The museum highlights Sedona history from 1870-1950. Vintage farm equipment, a pioneer farmstead, the movie room dedicated to over 80 feature movies made in Sedona, and cowboy life.
Sharlot Hall Museum
415 W. Gurley, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-3122
http://www.sharlot.org
Prescott was the first territorial capital of the state of Arizona. Visit the Governor’s mansion preserved on the beautifully landscaped grounds of Sharlot Hall Living History Museum. Folk Arts Fair, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, Prescott Book Festival, and Folk Music Festival. In addition, the Museum offers many lectures, excursions, plays by the Blue Rose History Theater, and other special events.
Smoki Museum
100 N. Arizona Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-1230.
http://www.smokimuseum.org
Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot Road, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
(928) 634-5564
http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/
Tuzigoot is an ancient village or pueblo built by a culture known as the Sinagua. The pueblo consisted of 110 rooms including second and third story structures. The first buildings were built around A.D. 1000. The Sinagua were agriculturalists with trade connections that spanned hundreds of miles. The people left the area around 1400. The site is currently comprised of 42 acres.
Yavapai College Center for the Arts
Sculpture Garden, Gallery and Performance Hall,
1100 E. Sheldon, Prescott, AZ 86301
(877) 928-4253
http://www.yavapai.cc.az.us/ycevents.nsf
A great line-up of performances is scheduled annually. The permanent collection in the four a-acre sculpture garden and changing exhibits in the gallery showcase works of contemporary artists.
V-bar-V Ranch Petroglyph Site
Coconino National Forest
(928) 282-5323.
Extensive Sinaguan petroglyph site. Turn east from I-17 exit 298 (Hwy 197) and follow signs to Beaver Creek Ranger Station.
Verde Canyon Railroad
300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324
(800) 320-0718
www.verdecanyonrr.com
The Verde Canyon is acclaimed as Arizona’s longest-running nature show. The remote wilderness of the Verde Canyon, located west of Sedona and below Jerome, is renowned for its towering red rock pinnacles; clean, green waters; Indian ruins, tunnels, trestles and clear azure skies. This picturesque setting is further enhanced by the variety of indigenous flora and fauna and the many migrating waterfowl, and the bald eagles that winter in this riparian respite each year. Though it is possible to hike the canyon, the most comfortable and entertaining way to experience it is by riding the rails of the Verde Canyon Railroad. It's not the destination, it's the journey!
Visitors ride from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back through the spectacular Verde Canyon with its rugged rock faces and lush riparian area. Eagles are often seen along the way.
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