6 Towns in Arizona With Rich History
Despite being one of the newest of states – it joined the Union in 1912 with only Alaska and Hawaii joining later – Arizona boasts plenty of fascinating history. Known as the “Grand Canyon State” due to its being home to one of the country’s oldest and best-known national parks, you can learn a lot about its most important events and people by spending time exploring its most attractive small towns.
A welcome diversion from the bigger Arizona cities like Phoenix and Tucson, towns like Tombstone and Jerome are full of culturally significant landmarks that together paint a picture of one of the most fascinating places in US folklore: the Old West. Learn more and explore these six towns in Arizona with rich history.
Tombstone
Famously known as "The Town Too Tough to Die," Tombstone is a testament to the USA’s iconic WildWest era. Founded in 1879 and just 75 miles southeast of Tucson, this popular Arizona tourist destination started as a humble mining camp and grew into one of the richest towns in the western USA. The town's best-known sightseeing spot is the O.K. Corral, the scene of the infamous 1881 gunfight involving Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton gang, a shootout that epitomized the lawlessness and violence of the Old West. Visitors can experience re-enactments as well as explore attractions like Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Now a museum with exhibits on Tombstone’s history, the building is a lovely example of 19th-century Territorial Victorian architecture.
Tombstone's historic district is a walk-through time with perfectly preserved 19th-century buildings lining Allen Street, the main thoroughfare, where you'll find shops and museums that capture the spirit of the Old West. The Bird Cage Theatre, an original 1880s saloon, gambling hall, and brothel, now serves as a museum, while Boot Hill cemetery is the resting place of those who died during the O.K. Corral shootout. Its grave markers, often bearing epitaphs with a dose of Old West humor, provide insight into the perilous lives of Tombstone’s early inhabitants.
Williams
Located mid-way between Phoenix and Las Vegas, Williams serves as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon" and offers a special blend of natural beauty and historic charm. Situated in the heart of the Kaibab National Forest and perched at an elevation of 6,770 feet, this picturesque town is a treasure trove of attractions just waiting to be explored. Topping most lists of things to do in Williams, the historic Grand Canyon Railway offers scenic rides to the Grand Canyon complete with historic cars and entertainment that harkens back to the early 1900s.
Downtown Williams is also part of US Route 66, a famous scenic highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Evoking the spirit of mid-20th century American road trip culture, it passes through the picturesque historic district of Williams. For the best views and photos, partake in the Route 66 Zipline which passes directly over the famed highway. Other must-visits include Bearizona Wildlife Park, a drive-through wildlife park with North American species including bears, bison, and wolves in a natural habitat. There’s also a walk-through area where guests can explore other animal exhibits including feedings and shows.
Florence
Florence was established in 1866 in the Sonoran Desert and is one of the state's oldest towns. Its location just an hour’s drive southeast of Phoenix makes Florence an easy day trip destination, especially if the town’s well-preserved historic district is on your itinerary. Included on the country’s National Register of Historic Places, among its 140 historic structures are attractive Victorian and adobe structures including the Second Pinal County Courthouse, built in 1891.
The Pinal County Historical Museum provides a deep dive into the region's past, including its Native American heritage, agricultural history, and the impact of the mining and ranching industries. The museum also explores the infamous Arizona State Prison, located in Florence. The town’s location along the Gila River adds to its appeal and is popular for hiking and bird watching.
Wickenburg
Wickenburg is another Sonoran Desert town worthy of a visit. Just an hour northwest of Phoenix, it’s known for its Old West heritage and its popularity among outdoor adventurers. Highlights include Vulture City Ghost Town with its tales and exhibits relating to Wickenburg's gold mining history. The Vulture Mine, once one of the most productive gold mines in Arizona, is now a fascinating ghost town that can be explored, including restored buildings and artifacts.
For those interested in learning more about the rich cultural history of the region, head to the Desert Caballeros Western Museum with its displays of Old West art and artifacts. Nature enthusiasts will find the Hassayampa River Preserve a lush, riparian (or “river”) zone that contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert. It’s also a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna and is ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
Bisbee
Bisbee is only a short drive north of Mexico and is a popular place to visit for its Mule Mountains location. Visitors come to see the Copper Queen Mine, which opened in 1877 and was once one of the world’s most productive copper mines. After closing in the 1970s, it re-emerged as one of Arizona’s top tourist attractions and can now be toured as part of an authentic underground mining experience. Donning hard hats and miners' lanterns, guests are taken deep into the old workings of the mine to learn about the mining processes, the often-harsh lives of the miners, and the history of the town.
Another must-see is the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, it provides a comprehensive look at Bisbee's mining heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Not far from the Queen Mine is the Lavender Pit, an open-pit copper mine offering spectacular views and an insight into the scale of mining operations that once dominated the region. Interested in the paranormal? The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour takes visitors through the town's historic district, recounting tales of hauntings and ghost sightings.
Jerome
Perched atop Cleopatra Hill 110 miles due north of Phoenix in the Verde Valley, Jerome is another Arizona small town that boasts a fascinating mining history. Jerome State Historic Park is a major attraction and provides an interesting insight into the town's mining past. Highlights include Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 and now a museum showcasing mining artifacts, photographs, and mineral samples. Audrey Headframe Park is another popular attraction in Jerome and is the largest and oldest surviving such mining structure in Arizona.
Jerome is also known for being a haunted town, and several fun ghost tours of old buildings are available for those interested in the paranormal. For an extra spooky experience, book a stay at Jerome Grand Hotel, an old psychiatric hospital that’s rumoured to be home to countless ghosts.
The Final Word
These attractive old towns in Arizona aren’t just settlements; they also serve as living museums that echo the diverse heritage of the state. From the iconic and wonderfully named Wild West town of Tombstone, the site of the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, to Williams, the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," these six towns in Arizona are rich in history and legends and make for an incredible road trip through one of the most scenic areas of the United States of America.
