Prescott Arizona area information

The place-name Prescott, Arizona, did not exist when President Lincoln signed the bill that separated New Mexico from Arizona in 1863. Lincoln no doubt was familiar with the historian William Hickling Prescott, whose books on Mexico and Peru made the nearly blind Bostonian the David McCullogh of his day. Lincoln did know that any capital for the newly established Arizona territory would be located far from Confederate sympathizers in Tucson. With the discovery of gold that same year near the headwaters of the Hassayampa River by Joseph Walker and his men, it became strategic to locate the territorial capital in the Bradshaw Mountains, near that wealth. The Civil War was raging, and any western resources could help secure a Union victory. The first presidential appointee as territorial governor of Arizona, John Gurley of Ohio, died in August of 1863, before the delegation left for the west. John Goodwin of Maine succeeded Gurley. Traveling by train, riverboat, and then by horseback over the Santa Fe Trail, the official party arrived at Navajo Springs, between the Puerco and Little Colorado rivers, just across the New Mexico line, in late December of 1863. On December 29, Richard McCormick of New York, the Secretary to the Territory, raised the U.S. flag and administered the oath of office to Governor Goodwin. After a few months of military garrison at Del Rio Springs in Chino Valley, the official party, and the military headquarters, relocated 20 miles to the south, along the banks of Granite Creek, in an open, park-like setting of mature ponderosa pines and sheltering ridges.

During the fall of 1864, construction was being completed on many buildings of Fort Whipple, and on the Territorial Governor’s Mansion, still in its same location at the center of the Sharlot Hall Museum campus. In late May or early June of 1864, Prescott became the formal name of the territorial capital. Secretary McCormick brought a sizable library to the territory, including W. H. Prescott’s best seller, “The Conquest of Mexico,” in which was proposed an origin of Aztecs and Toltecs in the region of Prescott. The many ancient ruins were thought to have an Aztec connection. While the territorial government and the new residents of Prescott were glorifying a nonexistent native people, they were simultaneously driving from the land the actual native people, the Yavapai. Settlers, miners, and ranchers all complained about the “Indian troubles.” The perspective that the Yavapai might be having “Euro-American troubles” would have been foreign to the dominant newcomers. Ten years after the founding of Prescott, in February of 1875, all Yavapai were forcibly moved to the southeastern part of the territory, near San Carlos, where they lived alongside the Apache for 20 years. Upon their return in the early 1900s, the Yavapai lived in poverty, working as ranch hands or maids, confined to a small area near Fort Whipple, which became their reservation in 1935.

The period 1890-1920 may have been the most dynamic in Prescott’s history. The town square, Courthouse Plaza, surveyed by Robert Groom in 1864, was now the busy center of business and pleasure. Major retail outlets, such as the Bashford-Burmister Company and the mercantile enterprise of the Goldwaters, were going strong. The first courthouse was settling criminal cases, sometimes with a hanging on the square. The stretch of Montezuma Street along the western side of Courthouse Plaza was becoming known as Whiskey Row, due to the many saloons where a glass of “old popskull” could be had. The Row burned to the ground on July 14, 1900, but was quickly rebuilt. One famous gambler, Sheriff William “Buckey” O’Neill, did not witness the fire; he had been dead for two years, one of the Rough Rider casualties in Cuba. Behind Whiskey Row were the Chinese and brothel districts. One two-story bordello was on the site of today’s modern parking garage. Chinatown was centered along Granite Street, adjacent to Granite Creek. As many as 500 Chinese immigrants passed through Prescott between 1870 and 1930, many of them returning to China with a hard-earned prosperity from their labors as gardeners, laundry workers, and restaurant owners. If you were roaming the downtown area of Prescott in the early years, and looking for more refined entertainment than hard drink, prostitutes, or opium dens, you would find such elegance at the Elks Opera House, built in 1905 and still in operation. By 1920, Fort Whipple had ceased to be a military facility, and had been transformed into a medical facility to treat the many victims of gas warfare in the trenches of Europe. In 1930, two more historic institutions had been added to the downtown area. The Hassayampa Inn opened for business in 1927, and Sharlot M. Hall opened her museum in the aforementioned Territorial Governor’s Mansion in 1928. Sharlot Mabridth Hall arrived in Prescott by covered wagon in 1882 at the age of 12, after three months of hard travel along the old Santa Fe Trail. Hall was a writer and poet from an early age, and helped support her family with articles and poems about the West. Her first volume of verse, Cactus and Pine, was published two years after she was appointed Territorial Historian in 1909 (the first Arizona woman to hold territorial office). She was also an associate editor of Out West magazine.

Hall was a forward-thinking woman of vision and daring, living during an era when most women didn’t dare have any vision at all. She developed an intense fascination and love for Arizona and southwestern frontier life and history, and sought to conserve what she understood to be its vanishing heritage and traditions.

In 1924, as an elected delegate to the electoral college in Washington D.C., she toured many private and public museums in the East, and returned to Prescott determined to preserve Arizona’s pioneer and Native American history for subsequent generations. She secured a lease on the grounds where the first Territorial Governor’s Mansion stood, restored the building, and began gathering and preserving artifacts. The Sharlot Hall Museum stands today as a testament to this remarkable pioneer’s foresight and determination. (Learn more about the Sharlot Hall Museum in the Attractions & Lodging section of this magazine.)

Location & Transportation

Nestled in the central mountains of Arizona, Prescott stands as the largest city within Yavapai County. Neighboring towns include Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Dewey-Humboldt, making up what is more and more commonly referred to as the “Quad-Cities” of western Yavapai County. Its ideal location places it nearly 95 miles north of Phoenix and 95 miles south of Flagstaff.

Prescott is served by a number of major thoroughfares, including Arizona Highways 69, 89, 89A and 169, making travel in and out of Prescott simple. Interstate 17, approximately 36 miles southeast of the community, can be reached via Arizona Highway 69 or 169. Additionally, Interstate 40 can be accessed through Highway 89, just 50 miles north of Prescott.

Prescott’s municipal airport, Ernest A. Love Field, offers general aviation services and daily commercial flights. As with many smaller airports, passenger air service changes occur regularly. At press time, Horizon Air is scheduled to begin a daily non-stop flight to Los Angeles (LAX) in early September 2008. Great Lakes Airlines is scheduled to resume three daily flights to Phoenix later this summer. The airport, one of the busiest in Arizona for general aviation uses, is also utilized as the flight-training center for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Love Field can be accessed in the northern part of the community along Highway 89.

Domestic and international flights can be found less than two hours away at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Twenty-three airlines operate out of the facility, with about 1,500 aircraft and nearly 109,000 passengers arriving and departing daily. Local shuttle bus services provide constant transportation to and from Sky Harbor.

Distances to Major Cities (in miles)

ALBUQUERQUE: 400

DENVER: 780

LAS VEGAS: 268

LOS ANGELES: 347

PHOENIX: 95

SALT LAKE CITY: 610

SAN DIEGO: 410

TUCSON: 212

Homes

Prescott is an attractive place to live! There is an array of housing options located throughout this scenic area. Housing prices tend to run somewhat higher than the national average, but residents here appreciate the quality of life values available to them, including the outdoor lifestyle, highly rated educational institutions, medical facilities, and shopping and dining establishments. Whether you are renting or owning, you’ll have many places from which to choose.

Prescott’s lifestyle has been repeatedly recognized by national publications and websites. For example, Prescott was named one of the “Seven Great Places to Live” by Bottom Line, as well as rated one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise—among several other significant accolades.

And, Prescott has been recognized as “One of the Top Five Places to Retire” by Money magazine and “One of the Top 10 Most Popular Retirement Towns” by www.topretirements.com. Active retirees find the city’s master planned communities on one of the beautiful golf courses to be ideal for living the laid-back retirement years. Prescott is also home to numerous retirement communities, independent and assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing homes.

Recreation

Prescott is characterized by a mild four season environment, making it an exceptional year-round recreation destination. With a national park system, an active parks and recreation department, equestrian and hiking trails, five challenging golf courses and much more, Prescott is certainly the place to be when it comes to outdoor activity.

 

PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST

Stretching over 1.25 million acres, the Prescott National Forest affords visitors more than 450 miles of recreation trails—including one National Recreational Trail (Granite Mountain Trail) and one National Historic Study Trail (General Crook Trail)—five lake areas, a host of campgrounds, seven picnic areas and an abundance of outdoor activities.

344 S. Cortez Street
928-443-8000/928-443-8001 (TTY)
www.fs.fed.us/r3/Prescott

 

PRESCOTT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department offers an array of programs and events for youth/teen, adult and special needs residents, as well as facilities designed for a number of activities. The department oversees a host of public parks and lakes, which are equipped with everything from multi-purpose trails, picnic sites and tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts to playground equipment, skate areas, water sports and baseball, softball, football and soccer fields.

125 N. Arizona
928-777-1121
www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks

 

PRESCOTT YMCA OF YAVAPAI COUNTY

Since its establishment in the community in 1914, the Prescott YMCA has been an important resource for recreation, education and overall wellness for toddlers through seniors. The current facility, the Harold James YMCA Community Center, features such amenities as a 6,200-square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center, a full-size gymnasium, group exercise studios, a Gymnastics Center, an indoor climbing wall, a 25-yard lap pool, an activity pool and more. On top of this is the YMCA’s full range of programming for youth/teen and adult members. Sports leagues, before- and after-school programs, arts and crafts classes, scuba training, childcare and an array of special events are only some of the offerings accessed through the Prescott YMCA.

750 Whipple Street
928-445-7221
www.prescottymca.org

 

GOLF

 Antelope Hills Golf Course — North Course and South Course (Public)
1 Perkins Drive
928-776-7888/800-972-6818
www.cityofprescott.net/services/golf

Antelope Hills’ traditional North Course opened in 1956, with the City opening the second course, the South Course, in 1992. Both 18-hole championship courses are set in the beautiful scenery of this Arizona region and offer a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course also plays host to more than 200 tournaments and events each year.

 

Prescott Golf & Country Club (Public)
1030 Prescott Country Club Drive, Dewey
928-772-8984/800-717-7274 (for golf)

Established in 1971, Prescott Golf & Country Club is nestled in the golden panoramic valley between the Mingus and Bradshaw Mountain ranges. Prescott Golf & Country Club not only offers breathtaking views, but also fast bent grass greens and lush tree-lined fairways. This course has the perfect ingredients for you to enjoy your best round of golf ever.

 

StoneRidge Golf & Country Club (Public)
1300 N. StoneRidge Drive, Prescott Valley
928-772-6500

One feature that distinguishes StoneRidge from other Arizona golf courses is its stunning location. Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, StoneRidge Golf Course offers players scenic views and more than 350 feet of dramatic elevation changes from lowest green to highest tee. At 5,200-feet elevation, the 7,052-yard, par-72 daily-fee golf club is carved in the stone ridges and boulder outcroppings of Prescott Valley.

 

Hassayampa Golf Club (Private)

2060 Golf Club Lane
928-445-0009
www.hassayampagolf.com

The private Hassayampa Golf Club boasts a challenging par 71 Tom Weiskopf Signature Design 18-hole golf course. Situated at the base of Thumb Butte Mountain, golfers are afforded a spectacular backdrop on all sides. The course is complemented by a beautiful 30,000-square-foot Clubhouse, the Headwaters Fitness Center, a stocked Golf Shop, an elegant spa and locker room area, and delicious dining at The Casual Grille.

 

Prescott Lakes Golf & Country Club (Private)
311 E. Smoke Tree Lane
928-443-3500/877-643-3501
www.prescottlakes.com

At the center of this prime golf community is the 18-hole Hale Irwin Signature Golf Course, an exciting course surrounded by the beauty of the Granite Dells, Mingus Mountain and Thumb Butte. Golfers can also take advantage of an extensive practice facility, complete with a driving range, target greens, a chipping area and a putting green.

 

Talking Rock Golf Club (Private)
14503 N. Talking Rock Ranch Road
928-858-7000/877-922-0440
www.talkingrockranch.com

The Talking Rock Golf Club was designed to preserve the magnificent landscape that exists in this area. The private 18-hole course was a vision of architect Jay Morrish, and offers excellent opportunities for golfers from novice through professional. The club is also equipped with an 18-acre practice area for those looking to hone their golf skills.

Business & Industry

Prescott enjoys a growing economy thanks to an entrepreneurial spirit welcomed by the community. While it is predominantly a small business town, Prescott and the surrounding communities have attracted some notable bigger businesses, too. You may recognize such names as Ace Hardware, Sturm Ruger, Lockheed Martin, Midway Industrial, Pure Wafer, Wulfsberg Electronics, MI Windows/Better Bilt and Printpack.

 Tourism, of course, is a key to the local economy. Some 1,800 guestrooms are available at local hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts.

 The Prescott area has a highly motivated and skilled work force. Employment rates are generally strong. For example, the unemployment average rate for the entire year of 2007 was a low 3.2 percent.

The city has been continuously recognized for its prosperous economic vitality in this Arizona region, as well as throughout the U.S. Recent rankings, serving as evidence to Prescott’s excellent economy, include:

 • Top 100 Cities to Live and Launch a Business (Fortune Small Business)

• 3rd in the country (all metro markets) for job growth and economic vitality (INC. magazine)

• #47 Among the Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes.com)

• #5 Among the Fastest Growing Metros (Forbes.com)

• 3rd Best Metro for Job Creation (Milken Institute)

 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce promotes its membership by enhancing the overall business environment of Prescott.

Currently made up of 1,150 members, the Prescott Chamber of Commerce is a significant asset to the area’s business community. The Chamber is devoted to supporting businesses of all kinds, as well as the community at-large, through a wealth of beneficial programs and services. Through the Chamber, members have access to an abundance of business networking opportunities, community events, educational and training options, vital area economic information and more. The Chamber also operates a complete visitor center open every day of the week.

117 W. Goodwin Street
928-445-2000/800-266-7534 • www.prescott.org

 

EMPLOYMENT 2007

Prescott Metropolitan Area (Yavapai County)

Total Labor Force — 100,200

Total Employed — 96,400

Unemployment Rate — 3.8%

*Source: www.workforce.az.gov

 

TOP 10 MAJOR EMPLOYERS

Yavapai County

Yavapai Regional Medical Center

Prescott Unified School District

Wal-Mart

V.A. Medical Center —

City of Prescott

State of Arizona

MI Better Bilt

Yavapai College

Embry-Riddle University

 

Healthcare

Prescott residents are offered easy accessibility to some of the finest medical care in Arizona, not to mention the country. In addition to the full spectrum of health services provided through physicians, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists and many others, Prescott is home to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center West and the largest VA medical center in the region. On top of that, the city is near Yavapai Regional Medical Center East, the Del E. Webb Outpatient Center and Mountain Valley Rehabilitation Hospital—all in Prescott Valley.

 

YAVAPAI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 

Prescott is home to Yavapai Regional Medical Center West, the largest hospital in central Arizona and recently named one of America’s Top 100 Hospitals by Solucient (2006)—one of only two hospitals in the state to receive this accolade. The full-service, acute-care hospital is a non-profit facility equipped with 137 beds and a medical staff of professionals representing a full spectrum of medical specialties. YRMC West houses an esteemed Cardiac Cath Lab and Angiography Service, Imaging Services, an excellent Emergency Room—one that sees more than 55,000 visits annually—and a multitude of healthcare options. In 2007, YRMC began offering open-heart surgery and added its first neuro-surgeon to the staff.

Expanding its services, YRMC opened its East campus in May of 2006 on a 37-acre campus in nearby Prescott Valley. The modern facility boasts all private rooms composed of 50 beds and a number of prominent services such as 24-hour Emergency Care, Surgical (Inpatient and Outpatient), ICU, Imaging Services and 24-hour Laboratory Services. YRMC East’s design allows ample room for future expansion, which will include Obstetrical Services and a Birthing Center—among other additions.

Situated adjacent to the new YRMC East campus is the 30,000-square-foot YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center. The facility offers an array of programs and services, including Preventative Medicine, Physical Rehabilitation, Imaging and Laboratory, and it is the site for YRMC’s Home Health and Hospice programs.

www.yrmc.org

 

MOUNTAIN VALLEY REGIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

Recognized as one of the top 10 percent inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the country, Mountain Valley Rehabilitation Hospital is the only freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital in the central and northern areas of Arizona. An array of inpatient services— including Acute Rehabilitation, Nursing Care and management for those suffering from functional deficits—and outpatient services—including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy—are available at this Prescott Valley-based hospital. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with 40 patient beds, a 6,000-square-foot therapy gym, an aquatic therapy pool and an outdoor therapy courtyard.

3700 N. Windsong Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
928-759-8800
www.mvrrh.ernesthealth.com

 

NORTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

A population of approximately 75,000 veterans in the north central Arizona region can take advantage of the healthcare services through the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. Prescott is home to the system’s main medical facility, the Bob Stump VA Medical Center—the largest facility of its kind within a 60,000 square mile area. The Bob Stump VA Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient care on a primary and secondary care level, including medical, rehabilitative and long-term care services. The system also offers several community-based outpatient clinics in Anthem, Bellemont, Cottonwood, Kingman and Lake Havasu City.

Bob Stump VA Medical Center
500 Highway 89N
Prescott, AZ 86313
928-445-4860/800-949-1005
www.prescott.va.gov