List of historic properties in Prescott, Arizona

Last updated

List of historic properties
in Prescott, Arizona
City
Presscott-Whiskey Row-1901-1.jpg
Whiskey Row
AZMap-doton-Prescott.png
Location of Prescott in Yavapai County, Arizona.
John Noble Goodwin, First Territorial Governor John Noble Goodwin.jpg
John Noble Goodwin, First Territorial Governor
First Lot Sold-June 7, 1864 Prescott-Prescott Historic Site-First Lot Sold-June 7, 1864-Marker.jpg
First Lot Sold-June 7, 1864
First Prescott Courthouse, circa 1885 Prescott Courthouse, AZ (ca 1885).jpg
First Prescott Courthouse, circa 1885
Palace Hotel window sign Prescott-Building-Palace Hotel-1901-3.jpg
Palace Hotel window sign
Captain William "Buckey" O'Neill Captain Buckey O'Neill.png
Captain William "Buckey" O'Neill

This is a list of historic properties in Prescott, Arizona, which includes a photographic gallery of its remaining historic structures and monuments. The city is the county seat of Yavapai County. [1] In 1864 Prescott was designated as the capital of the Arizona Territory, replacing the temporary capital at Fort Whipple. [2] The Territorial Capital was moved to Tucson in 1867. Prescott again became the Territorial Capital in 1877, until Phoenix became the capital in 1889.

Contents

Included in this list are photographs of some of the structures within the Downtown Historic Preservation District (which includes "Whiskey Row"), the Courthouse Plaza Historic District, the Fort Whipple-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Historic District and the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Brief history

The first known Native-American people to have settled the Prescott area are the Yavapai. The name Yavapai comes from a combination of the words Enyaleva (sun) and pai (people). Some anthropologists trace the Yavapai, also known as the “People of the Sun”, to groups who migrated from the Colorado River regions around 1,300 AD. [3] The Yavapai were mainly hunter-gatherers, following an annual round, migrating to different areas to follow the ripening of different edible plants and movement of game. [4]

The US military incursions into Yavapai territory greatly increased following the declaration of war against Mexico in May 1845 and especially after the claim by the US of southwest lands under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, When gold was discovered in California in 1849, emigrants of European descent from the East Coast began to travel to the southwest and passed through Yavapai territory more than they had ever done so before. [5] Despite the thousands of emigrants passing through their territory, the Yavapai avoided contact with them. However, settlers began moving onto the lands of the Yavapai in the 1820s, and before long had greatly diminished the Yavapai's game and agricultural lands. The Yavapai openly resisted and many were slaughtered. [6]

The town-site of Prescott was officially founded in 1864, as the Territorial Capital of Arizona. The secretary of Arizona Territory, Richard Cunningham McCormick, urged that it be named for the historian William H. Prescott, whose books on the conquest of Mexico and Peru McCormick admired. William Hickling Prescott was an American historian and author. He has been called America's first scientific historian. [7] Prescott's entitlement as capital was sealed by one vote over La Paz by the first legislature. John Noble Goodwin was appointed Territorial Governor by President Abraham Lincoln. He served as such from December 29, 1863, to March 4, 1865. On June 7, 1864, the first lot in Prescott was sold for $175.00. The site where Prescott's City Hall is located in what is now 201 South Cortez Street was declared historical by the Prescott Historical Society. [8]

Fort Whipple was a tactical base for the United States Cavalry during the Indian Wars of 1864–1882. The fort was named after Lt. Amiel Whipple who was the first to discover and establish access to gold fields nearby. This new gold created conflict in the area and Fort Whipple was used to protect miners and settlers from raids. Beginning in 1865, after the American Civil War, the Yavapai were forced to live in reservations when gold was discovered in their territory. The fort was for a short period of time the capital of the Arizona Territory. [9]

Prescott was incorporated in 1872, obtaining legal title to a town site originally established without regard for federal law replacing the temporary capital at Fort Whipple. [10] At the same time Prescott was established as the Territorial Capital, it was also designated as the County Seat of Yavapai County, one of four original territorial counties. [8]

Prescott served as the Territorial Capital until 1889, with the exception of the years of 1867–77, when the capital was moved to Tucson. [8] On November 1, 1867, the capital was moved to Tucson by the act of the 4th Arizona Territorial Legislature. [11] The capital returned to Prescott in 1877 by the 9th Arizona Territorial Legislature. [12] The capital was finally moved to Phoenix on February 4, 1889, by the 15th Arizona Territorial Legislature. [13]

Richard Cunningham McCormick was appointed Territorial Governor by President Andrew Johnson on July 9, 1866. He served as such until March 4, 1869. Both governors had at one time or another resided in the Governor's Mansion which is now one of the historic structures exhibited on the grounds of the Sharlot Hall Museum. [14] [15] [16]

By 1878, Prescott had a street known as "Whiskey Row" which was known for the establishment of many saloons, gambling parlors, opium dens and houses of prostitution. Two fires affected most of the structures on the street, but none came close to causing the damage which was done in the fire of July 14, 1900. The fire known as "The Great Fire" destroyed five city blocks including most of Whiskey Row. Twelve hotels and 20 mercantile establishments were lost. [17] [18] [19]

After the fire, citizens soon viewed the event as a chance to replace the old wooden buildings common in the downtown area with more permanent concrete, brick and stone buildings. [8] By 1901, the buildings in the district had been rebuilt. The original buildings which still are standing are the Hotel Palace, the D. Levy Mercantile Building and the St. Michael Hotel. Whiskey Row continued to be the center of activity for the town, known for its gambling as well as its saloons. [20]

In 1888, William "Buckey" O'Neill, who was serving as Yavapai County judge, was elected county sheriff, running on the Republican ticket. After his term was up, O'Neill was elected unanimously Mayor of Prescott. In 1898, war broke out between the United States and Spain. O'Neill joined the Rough Riders and became Captain of Troop A. On July 1, 1898, the Rough Riders and the 10th Cavalry were stationed below Kettle Hill. The Spaniards, who were on top of the hill, poured machine gun and Mauser fire down on the Americans. Buckey O'Neill was killed in action. [21]

By 1895, the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad (also known as the “Peavine”) connected Prescott's mining area with the Southern Pacific line. The access to the railroad bolstered the mercantile sector of the local economy and led to the establishment of several new dry goods and mining supply businesses. Communication and utilities improved along with transportation. An electric light plant was built in 1889 and telephones arrived shortly thereafter. The year 1889 also marked the year that the capital was moved to Phoenix. In spite of this political loss, Prescott continued to prosper and develop as the 19th century drew to a close. [8]

The copper-mining industry also supported area growth in the early 20th century because of the extra demands for World War I. However, by 1919 Prescott suffered the effects of postwar depression along with the rest of the state and nation. [8]

Prescott Historical Society

Some of the structures in Prescott are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The fact that a property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or that it may be eligible to be listed as such, does not mean that the property is safe from being demolished by its owner or from being removed from the NRHP listings. An example is the Goldwater Mercantile Building which was listed in 1978, reference #78003584 and removed from the list on October 2, 1992, because the historic structure was demolished in November 1978. According to Jim McPherson, Arizona Preservation Foundation Board President:

"It is crucial that residents, private interests, and government officials act now to save these elements of our cultural heritage before it is too late." [22]

Historic Centennial Tree Prescott-Historic Centennial Tree-1912.jpg
Historic Centennial Tree
Historic Centennial Tree dedication Prescott-Historic Centennial Tree-1912-marker.jpg
Historic Centennial Tree dedication

According to The Prescott Historical Society web-page, the society was established as a state agency in 1964 to operate the Sharlot Hall museum and territorial gubernatorial mansion. The Society and its Board of Trustees also maintains historical collections and makes the collections, materials and data available to the public. The Society is supported by state and private funds. The Society is authorized to purchase, receive, hold, lease and sell property for the benefit of the state and the use of the Society. [23]

Chapter 3-11 of the City Code created an official listing of historic buildings and structures located within the city to known as "The City of Prescott Register of Historic Places". The purpose is to establish an official list of buildings and structures to which the provisions of the Prescott Historic Building Code, as adopted in Title III, Chapter 8, of the City Code may be applied. The City of Prescott Register of Historic Places includes all buildings and structures which are presently listed or that may be in the future listed on the following: [24]

  1. The National Register of Historic Places.
  2. The State of Arizona Register of Historic Places.
  3. The Territorial Architecture of Prescott, 1978 edition, compiled and edited by Billy Garrett and published by the Yavapai Heritage Foundation.
  4. A Prescott Preservation District.

Any buildings and structures located within the City limits of Prescott, Arizona, and not otherwise listed under Section 3-11-3 may be included on the official list upon a showing that such buildings and structures have: [24]

  1. Historical or cultural importance, and/or
  2. Distinctive architectural style, engineering, or workmanship, and/or
  3. Visual and aesthetic value as part of the scene, neighborhood, or district.

In the Prescott area there are some ruins associated with the Sinagua tribe which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1989, reference #88003185. Listed as Indian Peak Ruin (AR-03-09-06-116). The ruins are not pictured in this article because access to the area is restricted. [25]

Historic properties

Historic Districts

The following twelve districts are considered historical by the National Register of Historic Places: [26]

Bridge

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) Granite Creek Bridge is a Pratt through truss railroad bridge which was built in 1910 and abandoned in 1961. It was relocated to the Downtown Prescott Greenways Trail where it currently stands. [27]

Buildings

Vintage sign of the Hassayama Inn Prescott-Building-Hassayama Inn-1927-2.jpg
Vintage sign of the Hassayama Inn

The following historical buildings are individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places: [26]

Courthouse Plaza Historic District buildings

In 1907, a statue of William "Buckey" O'Neill was placed in the historic Courthouse Plaza. [21] The following are contributing structures of historical significance within the Courthouse Plaza Historic District. [26] [28]

The original Prescott Opera House, which was built in the early 1870s in Prescott by James Howey, was moved to the Pioneer Living History Museum which is located at 3901 W. Pioneer Road in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1876, the Goldwater family established their first store there. Howey sold the building to Levi Bashford who in 1882, added a stage and converted the place into an opera house. John Drew, Jr. and Lillie Langtry performed in the opera house. The building ceased as an opera house in 1899. [29]

Houses of religious worship

There are four historic houses of worship pictured. Of the four three are listed in the National Register of Historic Places while the remaining structure is eligible to be listed. [26]

Houses

Governor Richard Elihu Sloan Governor R E Sloan.jpg
Governor Richard Elihu Sloan
Big Nose Kate BigNoseKate at 40.JPG
Big Nose Kate

Sharlot Hall Museum

Sharlot Hall Sharlot Hall.jpg
Sharlot Hall
Major General John C. Fremont John C Fremont.png
Major General John C. Frémont

The Sharlot Hall Museum was named after Sharlot Hall who in 1909 was appointed territorial historian. As such, she became the first woman to hold public office in the Arizona. Two of the exhibits are individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. They are the Governor's Mansion listed on September 10, 1971, reference #71000121 and the Iron Turbine Windmill which was listed July 9, 1981, reference #81000139. Among the outside exhibits which are pictured are the following: [26]

Arizona Pioneer Home Cemetery

The Arizona Pioneers’ Home Cemetery was established in 1911. It was built upon an older private cemetery which was established in 1864. The location of the cemetery is on a hill on 1300 W. Iron Springs Road. [40] Among the notable celebrities that are buried there are the following:

Fort Whipple

Fort Whipple was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1999, under the title "Fort Whipple-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Historic District" reference #99001274. The 1872 structures still located in Fort Whipple which are pictured are the following: [26]

Further reading

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. ↑ Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. p.  36. ISBN   978-0816501762.
  3. ↑ Arizona's First People
  4. ↑ Braatz, p. 29
  5. ↑ Braatz, p. 74
  6. ↑ Timothy Braatz Surviving Conquest: A History of the Yavapai Peoples. University of Nebraska Press. ISBN   978-0803213319
  7. ↑ William H. Prescott
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brief History of Prescott
  9. ↑ Fort W hipple
  10. ↑ Prescott: The Mile-Hi City Was Where It All Began
  11. ↑ Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. p.  70. ISBN   978-0816501762.
  12. ↑ Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. p.  113. ISBN   978-0816501762.
  13. ↑ Wagoner, Jay J. (1970). Arizona Territory 1863–1912: A Political history. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. p.  245. ISBN   978-0816501762.
  14. ↑ McGinnis, Ralph Y.; Calvin N. Smith (1994). Abraham Lincoln and the Western Territories. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 91. ISBN   0830412476.
  15. ↑ Goff pp. 26–27
  16. ↑ Nicolson, John (1974). The Arizona of Joseph Pratt Allyn. University of Arizona Press. p. 39. ISBN   0816503869 . Retrieved October 11, 2008. McCormick was appointed April 10 and took the oath of office July 9, 1866.
  17. ↑ Gorby, Richard (September 29, 2012). "Days Past: Palace Saloon emerged from Great Fire of 1900 grander than ever". Daily Courier. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  18. ↑ Naylor, Roger (May 30, 2014). "Belly up to the bar: Arizona's best historic saloons". Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  19. ↑ "The Prescott Fire". Arizona Daily Star. July 17, 1900. p. 4. Retrieved February 3, 2017– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  20. ↑ "In the Morning". The Arizona Republican. July 7, 1902. p. 6. Retrieved February 3, 2017– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  21. 1 2 "Buckey O'Neill: A Rough Rider Cut Down In His Prime". NPR.org. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  22. ↑ "Arizona Preservation Foundation". azpreservation.org. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  23. ↑ Prescott Historical Society
  24. 1 2 Chapter 3-11: City of Prescott Register of Historic Places
  25. ↑ Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Western United States
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 National Register of Historic Places
  27. ↑ ATSF – Granite Creek Bridge
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY-NOMINATION FORM
  29. ↑ Opera House
  30. 1 2 3 4 A History of First Congregational Church, Prescott, Arizona By: Jay Eby
  31. ↑ Prescott Fine Arts Association gallery
  32. ↑ The Legend of Big Nose Kate
  33. ↑ Burmister/Timerhoff House
  34. ↑ Territorial Women's Memorial Rose Garden
  35. ↑ "Arizona State Historic Property Inventory: Fredericks House". National Park Service . Retrieved December 7, 2016. with photos from 1992
  36. ↑ Hawkins House
  37. ↑ Hill House
  38. ↑ Otis House
  39. ↑ Sloan House
  40. ↑ Arizona Pioneers’ Home Cemetery
  41. ↑ MacKell, Jan (2009). Red Light Women of the Rocky Mountains. UNM Press. p. 458. ISBN   978-0826346100. Archived from the original on 2016-04-27.
  42. ↑ Michael Leja. Looking Askance: Skepticism and American Art from Eakins to Duchamp . University of California Press; 2007. ISBN   978-0520249967. p. 222.
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