A Profile Of Prescott...Where History Lives On!
FOR RELEASE
CONTACT:
Susan Schepman
(928) 708-9336
sschepman@cableone.net
Prescott, AZ - Nowhere is Arizona's Territorial History so beautifully preserved as in Prescott, AZ. Prescott began as a mining town with the discovery of gold. In 1864 Arizona became a territory and Prescott was selected to be the capital. It held the title until 1889 when Tucson was awarded the distinction. Although Phoenix now holds the title of State Capital, Prescott has many historical remnants of its early territorial days, many of which are well preserved, at the Sharlot Hall Museum.
The Sharlot Hall Museum is home to much of Prescott's territorial history, including the first territorial governor's mansion on its original site. Other historic buildings, including the Victorian Bashford House and Frèmont House, make up the three-acre campus.
Over 600 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places are beautifully preserved in Prescott's downtown and residential areas. Victorian homes line the streets in several of Prescott's historic districts. Once home to more than 26 saloons, downtown Whiskey Row boasts many historic buildings including the Palace, Arizona's oldest restaurant and bar, and many other buildings that have been converted to boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and restaurants.
The Smoki and Phippen museums also contribute to the cultural climate of the area. The Smoki features American Indian artifacts and weavings, while the Phippen boasts a beautiful collection of Western art.
Prescott celebrates its territorial heritage at several special events throughout the summer including the World's Oldest Rodeo over July 4th weekend, and Territorial Days in June.
Nostalgia
Prescott's rich past can be explored today along historic Whiskey Row. Once home to over 26 saloons, much of it has been transformed into a thriving shopping district. In 1900, a devastating fire, originating on the southwest corner of the plaza, destroyed all of Whiskey Row and much of the downtown area. Legend has it that the patrons in the Palace picked up the massive bar and carried it across the street to the Courthouse Plaza to continue their drinking and carousing.
The town quickly rebuilt around the tree-lined plaza and today, Whiskey Row is a lively, upscale version of its former self. Several historic restaurants and bars still exist including the Palace and Jersey Lilly's. Unique shops, galleries and cozy bistros are tucked in and around "the Row".
Prescott's back roads also provide a nostalgic trip back in time. The Highway 89- loop drive from Prescott to Sedona via Highway 89-A has been voted by Fodor's, as one of America's most scenic drives. On the way you will pass through the historic ghost town of Jerome, the turnoff to Montezuma's Well and to the Tuzigoot National Monument.
Along Hwy. 89 heading north toward Chino Valley, you will also see some other historic and interesting sites such as Del Rio Springs, the first site of Ft. Whipple; Sullivan Lake just off of Old Hwy. 89 is site of the dam built in 1938 to keep back the Chino wash. If you like off-road adventures, visit Limestone Canyon off Hwy. 89 near milepost 344, or Cedar Glades Cemetery that is all that remains of the community of Puntenney. Drake, AZ is another historic stop off Hwy. 89 on the Perkinsville Rd. It was a major stop for the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad. Also along Perkinsville Rd. is Jerome Junction, where the railroad from Jerome would stop to transfer its load of copper. Other interesting sites you might find along Prescott's backroads include abandoned mining sites and historic ranches. The backroads around Prescott are also popular for road rallies.
Indian Nations-Current and Ancient
Prescott is home to the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe. The Yavapais roamed this area many years before white settlers discovered Arizona. They are well known for their finely crafted baskets made of devils claw and willow. In tribal culture, the baskets were used for everything from hauling wood to cooking stew and were incredibly resilient. Today the Tribe consists of 155 members and has a strong business presence in the community. Several casinos occupy reservation land, along with other businesses that provide jobs for thousands of Prescott residents. The Tribe is also a generous philanthropist, donating thousands of dollars to local charities.
Much of the local American Indian history is documented at the Smoki Museum and the Sharlot Hall Museum. You can also see ancient Indian ruins out at Lynx Lake, and many of Prescott's hiking trails lead past ancient petroglyphs (prehistoric stone carvings).
In July of each year, American Indian heritage is celebrated at the Prescott Indian Art Market. Sponsored by the Sharlot Hall Museum, the event showcases the work of formal and traditional Native American artists.
Scenic Beauty & Outdoor Recreation
Just a 90-minute drive from Phoenix, Prescott is nestled in the heart of the Prescott National Forest, which includes several mountain ranges that encircle the Prescott area. With its mile-high elevation Prescott enjoys a temperate, four-season climate and more than 300 days of sunshine each year.
The Prescott National Forest boasts more than 450 miles of multi-use recreational trails winding though groves of ponderosa pines and granite boulders. 392 campsites within the Prescott National Forest are also available. The Granite Basin Recreational Area offers some of the most challenging rock climbing in the country. The scenic Granite Dells are a sight to behold with amazing granite rock formations clustered along Highway 89.
Five area lakes also provide a recreational retreat for canoers, kayakers, and fishermen. Granite Basin Lake lies at the foot of Granite Mountain. Lynx Lake and Goldwater Lake are nestled in the cool pines. Willow Lake and Watson Lake are tucked into the dramatic granite boulders and offer views of the Mogollon Rim and San Francisco Peaks.
Fore the Love of Golf
There is great golf in the Prescott area. Golfers can enjoy the area's four-season climate by teeing up at one of five area courses offering challenging fairways, affordable prices, and spectacular views. Prescott courses are designed to suit a variety of individual challenge levels without the crowds you would normally encounter in Phoenix or Tucson. Enjoy panoramic views of the Granite Dells and Mogollon Rim at Antelope Hills Golf Courses, boasting two challenging, par 72 courses designed by Gary Panks (South Course) and Lawrence Hughes (North Course). Be in the lap of luxury at Prescott Golf and Country Club's facilities. The Hale Irwin-designed, par 72, semi- private course at Prescott Lakes Golf Community will take your game to new levels. Test your skills on the Tom Weiskopf designed, par 71 course at the private Hassayampa Country Club. The renowned golf architectural firm of Jay Morrish & Associates has constructed a spectacular private, championship 18-hole course that winds through the luxury community of Talking Rock Ranch.
Arts & Festivals
Throughout the year, many exciting events take place in downtown Prescott and nearby areas. Prescott's mile-high climate offers a cool summer respite with lots of fun- filled events and hometown hospitality. Don't miss summer events like Territorial Days in June, which includes an arts and crafts show on the Courthouse Plaza, and Prescott Frontier Days and Worlds Oldest Rodeo July 4th.
Traditions of the Wild West are celebrated at the Folk Arts Festival in June, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Festival in August, and the Folk Music Festival in October, all held at the Sharlot Hall Museum. In September and October, celebrate the arts at the Faire on the Square, the Annual Shakespeare Festival, and Fall Fest in the Park. During the holidays Prescott is known as "Arizona's Christmas City" hosting events like the Holiday Light Parade, Acker Musical Showcase, and Courthouse Lighting.
Prescott Fine Arts and the Yavapai Performance Hall offer an exciting program of plays, musicals and quality entertainment throughout the year. Prescott is a great place to visit and a terrific place to live!
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