Prescott, Arizona
Located in Yavapai County, Prescott city truly transcends the Arizona's archetype. It is the principal seat for Yavapai County. According to the 2010 U.S Census, it is a home to 39,843 residents and the total area of the city is 41.5 square miles, out of which 0.8 square miles is water and 40.7 square miles is land. The city of Prescott is located in Bradshaw Mountains in Central Arizona and experiences four-season climate with hot summers and mild winters. With occasional snows during winter, the city becomes a perfect post card setting to fit perfectly for a holiday season that is filled with variety of celebrations.
The city attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy their old-west history, enjoyable climate and unique setting. It has a small town atmosphere and is regarded as an extremely desirable place to work and live. All through the year, the city offers variety of activities and events to experience the different facets of the city. The city is also combined with an extremely low crime rate, full range of housing options, easy commuting, variety of recreational opportunities and excellent air quality that makes it enjoy a stress-free lifestyle. With five picturesque lakes and network of around 450 miles of biking, horseback trails and hiking in the city and in the Prescott National Forest, the city is tabbed as the "Top Outdoor Adventure Town" by numerous magazines.
Welcome to the city of Prescott, where you will be able to make just about anything happen. There are intriquing options in entertainment, education, affordable living and many other benefits the city offers its residents. People of any age or any profession will surely find the city exciting and vivacious to their own liking.
Prescott History
Prescott has a very rich history. Over 100,000 people inhabited the city 9000 years ago. They were known to be the early ancestors of Yavapai tribe who were also called as "People of the sun". Prehistoric Sinagua Indian and Yavapai artifacts can still be discovered in the Verde Valley. The U.S. Cavalry, Spanish explorers, gold rush "49ers", indian tribes, homesteaders and silver miners also left their individual influence in Prescott. By 19th century, Prescott developed rapidly. Several historians believe that Charles D. Poston is the "Father of Arizona" for his invaluable efforts in establishing the Arizona territory.
In 1865, the city carved a unique place in Arizona among early communities as it was built exclusively of fine wood and was completely inhabited by Americans due to the nation's westward expansion. However, the city lost the state's legislative seat, firstly to Tucson and later to Phoenix. After a year, a devastating fire completely burned all the wood-constructed buildings to the ground. Again, on July 14, 1900, fire swept in downtown Prescott destroying the complete business district. The fire spread across the southwest corner of Montezuma and Goodwin and swept to Montezuma. Despite its four-hour rampage destruction and $1.5 million loss, everyone survived the event that was termed as "The Great Fire of 1900" .
Prescott was again triumphantly rebuilt with only brick or stone instead of wood and many buildings that we see in the city at present are reminders of its past. The courthouse plaza, lawn under huge elm trees were built as a meeting and gathering place. Businesses began rebuilding again in Prescott. Cultural performances and events took place during summers on the plaza. Cement sidewalks, paved streets and downtown replaced the dusty streets of the 1800s.
In 1914, the Yavapai Chamber of Commerce was established to promote the county, especially Prescott city for its beautiful climate. Later, the tourism industry in the city flourished. In early 20th century, Copper Mining industry supported area growth in order to meet the demands for World War I. However, in 1919, the city suffered from the effects of the postwar depression. This depression was hard on the local and state economy as many banks failed and locals were left with no savings or work.
However, federal and local assistance programs such as Public Works Administration (PWA), Works Progress Administration (WPA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were organized in 1930s that provided employment for many people. In 1946, there was increase in commercial and residential buildings that reflected nationwide boom. The city experienced significant growth in 1980s and since then the population is doubled.
About Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, Arizona was founded in 1864 and incorporated in 1881. It was named in the honor of William Hickling Prescott, who was a noted historian. From art to historic artifacts, the city's history is very well documented. Prescott became the state's first capital in 1864. During the initial days of the city it was famous for the "Whiskey Row Street" which was known to be the notorious red light district with Wild West guests such as Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. Adding to cultural experience, over 809 buildings were built and recognized in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Prescott is also home to "Arizona Pioneers" which is a care retirement home, funded and operated by Arizona.
There are numerous local museums such as the "Phippen", "Sharlott Hall", "Smoki house", and a childrens museum which have irreplaceable collections of contemporary and prehistoric stone artifacts, jewelry and pottery.
With beautiful lakes, mountains and forest land surrounding the city, people can take advantage of various outdoor recreational activities. Prescott National Forest hiking trails, recreational areas for boating and fishing, mountain bike trails, and horseback riding are some of the city's outdoor recreational menu. There are four golf courses in the city: City of Prescott South Course, City of Prescott North Course, Hassayampa Golf Club and Prescott Lakes Golf Club where golfers can enjoy the game in the city's pristine green surroundings.
Nearly every weekend, locals and visitors indulge in the city's fantastic special events organized throughout the year. It hosts annuals events that include "World's Oldest Rodeo and Frontier Days" ,"the Bluegrass Festival", other art festivals, Navajo Rug Auction, World's Largest Gingerbread Village, the July 4 Celebrations and many more.
In addition, the state is a home to 40 vineyards and wineries. The Verde Valley and Prescott are home to thousands of acres of emerging vineyards that is farmed by five different wineries. There are also many sanctuaries that are dedicated to conserve and protect exotic and native animals such as Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and Out of Africa Wildlife Park which provide a source of education, recreation and entertainment for everyone.
Prescott's downtown area attracts locals and visitors to their numerous galleries, boutiques and antique shops that border Courthouse Plaza, Montezuma, Cortez and Goodwin streets. Shopping Village and Prescott Gateway Mall have numerous boutique shops and department stores that offer everything.
The city is also a home to Prescott College which is an independent arts college that offers all degrees, including teacher certification. Other universities in Prescott include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Old Dominion University, and Northern Arizona University.
About Yavapai County, Arizona
Yavapai County is located in Arizona. According to 2010 U.S Census Bureau, the total population in the county is 211,073 and it has an area of 8,127.78 square miles, out of which 4.48 square miles is water and 8,123.30 square miles is land. The county's principal seat is Prescott. This county is regarded as one among the four Arizona Counties that was created by 1st Arizona Territorial Legislature. As the counties of Coconino, Maricopa, Navajo and Apache were carved from the initial Yavapai County, the county's present boundary was established in 1891. The county is described as the "Prescott Metropolitan Statistical Area" by the U.S. Census.
It was mainly named after the Yavapai people who were known to be the principal inhabitants. These people were divided into four geographical bands: Western Yavapai or the Tolkapaya, Northwestern Yavapai or the Yavapé, Southeastern Yavapai or the Kwevkapaya and Northeastern Yavapai or Wipukpa who considered themselves as separate peoples. The Yavapai people derived their name from enyaeva ("sun") and pai ("people").
The county is a home to "Arcosanti" which is a prototype arcology that was developed by Paolo Soleri. Out of Africa Wildlife Park is another attraction in the county. This is a popular zoo that features Tiger Splash and other big cats. 10 miles from the northwest of Bagdad lies the Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Area which is a 27,440-acre protected home to 150 species of colorful birds.
The county has an extensive park system and some of them include Black Canyon City, High Desert Park, Cornville, Windmill Park, Cordes Junction, Henry Cordes Park, Congress, Tenderfoot Hills Park, Lake Montezuma, Sycamore Park and many more. Although the county's facilities department does not provide any recreational programs, it relies on the individual parks with surrounding communities to provide such services to local areas.
There are countless flora and fauna within the county. For example, there are various plants with the genus "Coreopsis" and "Ephedra" found in Yavapai County. The county is engulfed with diverse land types which include desserts, valleys, grasslands, rocky areas and mountains. You can find chaparral, grasslands, pinion-juniper and desert scrub among the vegetation.