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Prescott, Arizona

Prescott   is a city in and the county seat of Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. As of 2020 Census, the city's population was 45,827.

In 1864, Prescott was designated as the capital of the Arizona Territory, replacing the temporary capital of Fort Whipple. The territorial capital was moved to Tucson in 1867. Prescott again became the territorial capital in 1877, until Phoenix became the capital in 1889.

Prescott has a rich history as a frontier gold and silver mining town. Mining and settlers brought frequent conflict with native American tribes in the area, including the Yavapai and Apache. Prescott was the home to Fort Whipple from its inception, which acted as a base for campaigns against natives. Prescott was a stereotypical "wild west" town during the latter half of the 19th century; famous residents included Doc Holliday and Virgil Earp of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The makeshift wooden town burned to the ground several times in the first decade of the 20th century, which finally resulted in the town being rebuilt in brick. The modern city subsists on tourism, especially around its storied past. It is host to the self-proclaimed "World's Oldest Rodeo", running continuously since 1888. The rodeo, one of the most famous in the United States, draws some 35,000 tourists a year.

The towns of Prescott Valley, 7 mi east; Chino Valley, 16 mi north; Dewey-Humboldt, 13 mi east, and Prescott comprise what is locally known as the "Quad-City" area. This also sometimes refers to central Yavapai County in general, which would include the towns of: Mayer, Paulden, Wilhoit, and Williamson Valley. Combined with these smaller communities, the area had a population of 103,260. Prescott is the center of the Prescott Metropolitan Area, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as all of Yavapai County.

The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe reservation is adjacent to and partially within the borders of Prescott.

Prescott is in the Granite Creek watershed and contains the convergence of Miller Creek and Granite Creek on its north side.

History
Prescott was originally inhabited by the indigenous Yavapai, who had split off from Patayan groups around 1300 AD. The first recorded European contact with the Yavapai was made by Spaniard Antonio de Espejo in 1583, who was looking for gold. Until the 1860s, there was no permanent European presence. The territory was explored by the Walker Party in 1862 and 1863. Walker and his men discovered gold at Hassayampa Creek, just south of Prescott, in 1863. Further gold was struck at nearby Lynx Creek, Weaver Creek, and Big Bug. With the backing of Ohio railroad magnates, the Arizona Organic Act establishing the Arizona Territory was pushed through in February 1863. The land was now open to settlers. Fort Whipple was established the same year near present day Chino Valley. The fort was also made the territorial capital.

The fort was moved to more mountainous terrain 20 mi south the next year. Arizona Territorial Governor John Noble Goodwin selected the site of Prescott following his first tour of the new territory. Goodwin replaced Governor John A. Gurley, appointed by Abraham Lincoln, who died before taking office. Downtown streets in Prescott are named in honor of both of them. Goodwin selected a site south of the temporary capital on the east side of Granite Creek near a number of mining camps. The new town was named in honor of historian William H. Prescott during a public meeting on May 30, 1864. Robert W. Groom surveyed the new community, and an initial auction sold 73 lots on June 4, 1864. By July 4, 1864, 232 lots had been sold within the new community. Prescott was incorporated in 1881.

The mineral wealth of Prescott included a good quantity of both gold and silver, and made the hamlet the most important city in northern Arizona. It also escalated the American Indian Wars, as pioneers and natives increasingly attacked the other, in ever bloodier reprisals. Tribes also chose sides against each other, with the Maricopa and O'odham fighting alongside American and Mexican settlers against the Yavapai and Apache in brutal campaigns. The Hualapai War broke out in northern Arizona in 1865, which brought a period of guerilla warfare, though few pitched battles. Not until 1935 were the Yavapai given a reservation in Prescott, and at first only a mere 75 acres directly adjacent to Fort Whipple. An extra 1320 acres were provided in 1956.

The mining camps brought much prosperity, but also much racism. On July 12, 1863, the miners of Lynx Creek passed a resolution banning Asian and Mexican miners. Similar resolutions were passed in the other mining districts. Since there was no extant Mexican population, there was little to temper the racism of new Anglos from the Eastern United States. There were also very few women on the frontier at the time; an 1864 census found just 40. 31 were Mexican, which, combined with the racism of the territory, led to frequent allegations of sexual promiscuity. By the 1870s, as Prescott became increasingly "civilized", it took on the values of Victorian society, including its sexual standards. There were exceptions, however. Mary DeCrow, a white woman, arriving around 1863, had a relationship with a black Texan, breaking taboos around miscegenation. She later married a Mexican blacksmith, starting a boarding house with him; public opinion calmed down after this and she eventually became much loved. Another legendary Prescott woman, Mary Sawyer, wore men's clothes, drank hard, swore hard, and worked a mining claim. Sawyer's breaking of gender norms however resulted in her 1877 institutionalization in an insane asylum, in which she remained until her death in 1902.

Prescott served as capital of Arizona Territory until November 1, 1867, when the capital was moved to Tucson by act of the 4th Arizona Territorial Legislature. The capital was returned to Prescott in 1877 by the 9th Arizona Territorial Legislature. The capital was finally moved to Phoenix on February 4, 1889, by the 15th Arizona Territorial Legislature. The three Arizona Territory capitals reflected the changes in political influence of different regions of the territory as they grew and developed.

Prescott also holds a place in the larger history of the American southwest. Both Virgil Earp (brother of Wyatt Earp) and Doc Holliday lived in Prescott before their now infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Virgil Earp lived in Prescott starting in 1878 as a constable/watchman. Doc Holliday was there for a while in the summer of 1880 and even appears in the 1880 census records.

The Sharlot Hall Museum houses much of Prescott's territorial history, and the Museum of Indigenous People (formerly the Smoki museum) and Phippen Museum also maintain local collections. Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott boasts many historic buildings, including The Palace, Arizona's oldest restaurant and bar. Many other buildings have been converted to boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. Prescott is home to the Arizona Pioneers' Home. The Home opened during territorial days, February 1, 1911.

After several major fires in the early part of the century, downtown Prescott was rebuilt with brick. The central courthouse plaza, a lawn under huge old elm trees, is a gathering and meeting place. Cultural events and performances take place on many nights in the summer on the plaza.

Barry Goldwater, the 1964 Republican nominee for president, launched his presidential campaign from the steps of Prescott's Yavapai County Courthouse.

Notable wildfires
Yarnell Hill Fire: Nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, part of the Prescott Fire Department, died on Sunday, June 30, 2013, while battling the wildfire that had ignited two days earlier south of Prescott.

Goodwin Fire: The wildfire ignited in the Bradshaw Mountains south of Prescott on Saturday, June 24, 2017. The fire eventually led to the evacuations of Mayer and Walker a few days later. State Route 69 was partially closed between the towns of Mayer and Dewey-Humboldt.

Geography

Prescott is 55 mi west-northwest of the State of Arizona's geographic center.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 107.5 km2, of which 105.4 km2 is land and 2.1 km2 is water.

Prescott is considered part of North Central Arizona, sitting just north of the Bradshaw Mountains and east of the Sierra Prieta range. The Granite Dells, often called ‘The Dells’, lies just north of the Prescott city center and is known for its large boulder outcroppings of granite that have eroded into a spectacular appearance of bumpy rock features. Within 'The Dells' are Watson and Willow Lakes, which are two small, man-made reservoirs. Here a number of hiking trails connect to the Peavine Trail. The Peavine National Recreation Trail follows what was the former rail bed of the Santa Fe. This railroad traveled from Prescott to Phoenix through the Granite Dells. The "Peavine" got its name from the winding portion of this railroad that twists and curves, resembling the vine on which peas grow. The Peavine trail connects to the Iron King Trail, which was the route of the old Prescott Railroad through the Granite Dells. Other lakes include Lynx, Granite Basin and Goldwater, all surrounding different areas of this rustic community. Goldwater Lake, by Goldwater Park, is 4 mi from downtown Prescott, has 15 acre of water surface, and is a popular destination for park recreation and picnic facilities. Lynx Lake is another lake close to Prescott in tall ponderosa pines, and gets some 125,000 visitors every year. This 55 acre lake offers visitors recreational activities, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and a small, seasonal restaurant with a view of the lake. Finally, there is the smallest of the natural lakes with 5 acre of surface water at Granite Basin Lake. None of these lakes permit swimming due to a history of water quality problems, however all are popular recreational destinations near Prescott.

Granite Creek flows generally north from the Bradshaw Mountains through the city, the Granite Dells, and the Little Chino Valley to the Verde River.

Climate
Prescott is in the Bradshaw Mountains of central Arizona, at an elevation of 5400 ft. The city has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa). However, unlike most other locations in this climate class, there is a pronounced summer wet season due to the North American Monsoon.

Average annual precipitation for 1991-2020 was 16.46 in, with spring and early summer the driest times of the year. Snowfall is typically light and snow cover usually melts away quickly; the average seasonal total was 10.2 in.The largest portion of precipitation falls during the July–September monsoon season. Average daytime temperatures remain above 50 F the entire year, but diurnal temperature variation is large throughout the year, averaging nearly 30 F-change annually. On average, temperatures reach 90 F on 44 days annually, though 100 F+ readings are uncommon and occur only 1–2 days per year on average, much unlike the Sonoran Desert to the south and Mojave Desert to the west. The average season for freezing temperatures is October 21 through May 1.

Temperature extremes are fairly widespread. The warmest measured temperature in Prescott is 105 F on two separate occasions (1925 and 2021). The coldest low was measured in 1937 and stood at -21 F. Due to the large diurnal temperature variation, cold winter days are rare, but being far inland causes a variability which occasionally leads to ice days. The coldest maximum on record is 20 F in February 1905 and a normal year between 1991 and 2020 saw the coldest day of the year not rise above 33 F. Warm summer nights are rare due to being on an elevated plain, but happen on occasion. The warmest on record is 79 F in August 1904, whereas a normal year has a more modest 69 F for the highest low.

There was a severe drought from 1999 to 2009, seen from the lack of snowpack in the Bradshaw Mountains. Local creeks do not contain water except immediately after the rare rains. Nevertheless, at the start of 2007 lakes were reported as full. The winter of 2005–06 had less than 3 in of snow, compared to an average snowfall of 12.8 in.

Monsoon season
Prescott is affected each year by the North American Monsoon. Monsoon season is June 15 – Sep 15, and brings significant rain, wind, hail, thunderstorms, and flooding to the area. In spite of the dangers of flash floods and wildfires, many locals enjoy monsoon season for the relief of cooler temperatures, which commonly result from storms during the height of summer heatwaves.

Arizona receives half of its annual rainfall during monsoon season, but this can be misleading. Monthly averages in precipitation can give the false impression that rains are confined to monsoon season, while single-day annual rainfall records have been set far outside of monsoon season, repeatedly. The area is prone to weather extremes and often, monthly rainfall records are actually the result of one or two dramatic rain events.

Flood risk
Prescott area residents have faced the challenges of extreme rain and flash flooding since the first prospectors arrived in search of gold in the late 1800s. In 1863 Joseph R. Walker's original mining camp on the banks of Lynx Creek was completely swept away in a flash flood less than a year after arriving in Prescott. In the late 1880s, floods destroyed the first dam on Lynx creek near present-day SR-69. 1891 brought the heaviest flooding on record across Arizona (a record broken in 1993), carving lasting changes to the Verde river drainage, bordering Prescott. The Verde, which has in some years been completely dry, gushed with 4,284 cubic meters per second of water on February 24, 1891, or about half the size of the Columbia river.

Tropical Storm Octave, in 1983, brought 14.5" of rain to parts of Prescott in less than forty-eight hours. Damages included the Santa Fe Railway, which was washed out in so many places it was completely abandoned the following year. Two Prescott area college students died in Granite Creek during flooding in 2004, which brought an official state of emergency declaration from state governor Napolitano. Significant flooding has been recorded as recently as 2018, prompting the evacuation of nearby Mayer in August.

A large number of homes in Prescott are located within FEMA designated "high risk flood zones A and AE". The City of Prescott recently updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps in response to increased construction and notable flooding for several consecutive years.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 33,938 people, 15,098 households, and 8,968 families residing in the city. The population density was 915.6 PD/sqmi. There were 17,144 housing units at an average density of 462.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 8.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 15,098 households, out of which 18.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.62.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 15.9% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,446, and the median income for a family was $46,481. Males had a median income of $31,834 versus $22,982 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,565. About 7.4% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The Prescott Gateway Mall is an enclosed shopping mall that opened in 2002, replacing Ponderosa Plaza, which was Prescott's first enclosed mall when it opened in 1980.

Downtown Prescott has dozens of independently owned and operated shops.

Top employers
According to the city's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Prescott are:

Other major area employers include the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, the James Family Prescott YMCA, and Fann Contracting.

Places of interest and culture
Prescott has many Victorian style homes. Prescott has 809 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The tallest house in North America, Falcon Nest is in Prescott, on the slope of Thumb Butte.

Prescott is home to the downtown historical area known as Whiskey Row. Adjacent to Whiskey Row was the red-light district which operated until 1917, at which point prostitution was outlawed in the state of Arizona. In 1900, a great fire destroyed almost all of the buildings on Whiskey Row, including the 1891 Hotel Burke, advertised as "the only absolutely fireproof building in Prescott". By legend, the patrons of the various bars simply took their drinks across the street to the Courthouse square and watched it burn. At the time of the fire, patrons removed the entire bar and back-bar of the Palace Restaurant & Saloon to the square by the patrons as the fire approached, re-installing it after the gutted brick structure was rebuilt. Whiskey Row runs north and south on Montezuma St. between Gurley and Goodwin St., directly west of the county courthouse. This single city block has been the home of the St. Michael's Hotel (formerly the Hotel Burke) and the Palace Hotel since the late 19th century, along with other colorful purveyors of nightlife. Originally built in 1877, The Palace Restaurant and Saloon was rebuilt after the fire, and is now the state's oldest continuous business. Merchant Sam Hill's large hardware store was near Whiskey Row. Prescott is host to the self-proclaimed "World's Oldest Rodeo", running continuously since 1888. Also known as "Frontier Days", it runs in the days leading up to Fourth of July. It is one of the most famous rodeos in the United States. In the 2010s, it drew over 35,000 tourists a year, nearly doubling Prescott's population for the rodeo week. During the same period, some 45,000 people also attend the Rodeo Parade, which winds through downtown Prescott. Though several other rodeos pre-date Prescott's by decades, Prescott claims it was the first to charge admission and turn it into a spectator sport. This is backed up by a 1985 trademark on "World's Oldest Rodeo". The rodeo was featured in the 1972 film Junior Bonner.

Prescott hosts annual events such as Frontier Days, Easter Egg-Stravaganza, the Bluegrass Festival, Earth Day, July 4 Celebration, Tsunami on the Square, art festivals, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Navajo Rug Auction, Pumpkin Patch Carnival, World's Largest Gingerbread Village at the Prescott Resort & Conference center (on the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe reservation), Prescott Film Festival, Folk Arts Fair, parades, the Acker Music Festival, The Cowboy Poets Gathering, the Prescott Highland Games, Courthouse Lighting, Whiskey Off Road and Ragnar Relay Del Sol. On New Year's Eve, historic Whiskey Row saw the inaugural Prescott Boot Drop to usher in the 2012 New Year. The illuminated 6 ft tall cowboy boot with multi-colored stars was lowered from the historic Palace Restaurant rooftop's 40 ft flagpole to the delight and cheers of celebrants gathered on Montezuma Street which was closed for the occasion. Also in Prescott is the Heritage Park Zoo.

There are four golf courses within the city limits: Antelope Hills Golf Course, which consist of the City of Prescott South Course and the City of Prescott North Course, Capital Canyon Golf Club (formerly the Hassayampa Golf Club) (private), Talking Rock Golf Club (private), and Prescott Lakes Golf Club (private). More public courses are located nearby in surrounding towns.

Prescott is home to The Arizona Pioneers' Home, a continuing care retirement home, operated and funded by the State of Arizona, originally intended for impoverished Arizona founders from Territorial days. Initially the home was built to house 40 men, but in 1916 an addition of a women's wing was completed to provide for 20 women. Later, in 1929, the home again expanded to include Arizona's Hospital for Disabled Miners (current total capacity is 150 beds). Scenes from the 2008 movie Jolene were filmed in the Pioneer's Home in 2006. The Home has had many colorful residents, including a John Miller, who claimed to be Billy the Kid, and who was exhumed from the Pioneer's Home Cemetery in 2005 in an attempt to identify DNA evidence. Another resident was "Big Nose Kate" Elder, who would also be laid to rest in the Pioneer's Home Cemetery, though not without controversy.

Prescott is home to Prescott College, a small liberal arts college just west of the downtown area that emphasizes environmental and social justice. It is a non-profit organization which has an undergraduate body of roughly 800 students, and an average student to faculty ratio of 7:1 in on-campus classrooms. There are four general programs at Prescott College: the On-campus Undergraduate Program (RDP), Limited-Residency Undergraduate Degree Program (ADP), the Limited-Residency Master of Arts Program (MAP), and a Limited-Residency PhD program in Sustainability Education. Those enrolled in the Limited-Residency programs work with various mentors and Prescott College faculty, usually in their home communities. On-campus students live in Prescott and attend classes at the college itself.

Prescott was at one point a recovery destination, with over 200 sober living homes dedicated to drug or alcohol recovery. However, increased regulation and enforcement has whittled the number down to less than 30 as of June 2018.

The cultures of Prescott's recovery community, the students at Prescott College, and preexisting small town punk subculture have fostered a thriving punk scene. Shows are hosted weekly at house venues, tattoo shops, and bars throughout downtown and the Dexter neighborhood. Prescott has been home to several nationally known punk bands, including Bueno, Life in Pictures, and Hour of the Wolf. Local bands often play shows alongside touring bands, who include Prescott in their tours.

Prescott was the location of Arizona's first Elks Lodge (BPOE). In December 1895 a group of enterprising businessmen in Prescott established the Prescott Elks Lodge #330, known as the "Mother Lodge of Arizona". The Prescott Elks Opera House was built by the lodge in 1905. The Prescott Elks Lodge is in Prescott Valley.

Designations
Prescott was designated "Arizona's Christmas City" by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in 1989.

Other notable designations include:

2000: Downtown Historic Preservation District (which includes "Whiskey Row") – one of 12 such National Register Historic Districts within the city.

2004: A "Preserve American Community" in 2004 by First Lady Laura Bush.

2006: One of a "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

2008: Yavapai Courthouse Plaza recognized as one of the first ten "Great Public Places" in America by the American Planning Association.

2012: Number 1 True Western Town of the Year for 2011 by True West Magazine and One of the 61 Best Old House Neighborhoods in the U.S and Canada by This Old House Magazine.

Government
The City of Prescott operates under a council-manager form of government. The council has six council members and a mayor, all elected at-large by the people of Prescott. Council members are elected to staggered four-year terms, and the mayor to a two-year term. Elections for mayor and council members are held in the first year after the national presidential and mid-term elections to keep national issues from overshadowing local concerns. Mayoral and council elections are non-partisan. There are no term limits for council members or the mayor. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee the daily administrative operations of city services and their respective departments, including the Prescott Fire Department. The current city manager is Katie Gregory. The current mayor is Phil Goode, elected in 2021. Council members as of June 2022 are Cathey Rusing, Connie Cantellme, Brandon Montoya (Mayor Pro-Tem), Eric Moore, Steve Sischka, and Clark Tenney.

Higher education

 * Yavapai College
 * Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott
 * Prescott College

K-12

 * Prescott High School
 * Mile High Middle School (serves seventh and eighth grades )
 * Granite Mountain Middle School (serves fifth and sixth grades )
 * BASIS Schools
 * Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy
 * Tri-City College Prep High School

Prescott Unified School District operates public schools. There are 18 public schools, including five charter schools, in grades K-12 and four private schools in Prescott. In 2015, due to budget cuts, the Prescott Unified School District closed Washington Elementary and Miller Valley Elementary schools. To make up for the change all elementary schools only went up to fourth grade. Granite Mountain Middle School serves fifth and sixth grades. Mile High Middle School serves seventh and eighth grades and Prescott High School remains unchanged. A district preschool has been operating in the Washington Elementary since the latter's closure. A recent renovation of the building will be completed in 2018 and will also be the home of the Prescott Unified School District Offices.

Transportation
Prescott Regional Airport, Ernest A. Love Field (PRC) is located 7 mi north of the downtown courthouse. As of 2021, United Airlines operates commercial flights from Prescott to Denver and Los Angeles.

The three main thoroughfares in and around Prescott are Arizona State Route 89A, Arizona State Route 69 and Arizona State Route 89. State Route 89A connects Sedona and Cottonwood to Northern Prescott and meets with State Route 89 near the Airport eventually turning into Pioneer Parkway where it connects to Williamson Valley Road. State Route 69 connects Prescott with Prescott Valley to the east, eventually curving southeast before reaching Interstate 17 at mile marker 262, about 65 mi from downtown Phoenix. State Route 89 travels mostly north–south and connects Prescott with Chino Valley and Paulden to the north, continuing northward until it joins Interstate 40 at mile marker 146, Ash Fork.

In 2016, ADOT realigned Willow Creek Road between State Route 89 and Pioneer Parkway adding a roundabout on State Route 89 with new access to the Ernest A. Love Field Airport. A future Great western Corridor is planned go on the east side of the Ernest A. Love Field Airport and provide an alternative route to the Airport.

Yavapai Regional Transit provides local bus service connecting Prescott and Chino Valley.

Nearest cities and towns

 * Chino Valley
 * Groom Creek
 * Iron Springs
 * Highland Park, Yavapai County, Arizona
 * Prescott Valley
 * Wildwood Estates
 * Yavapai Hills

Sister cities
, Prescott has three sister cities:
 * 🇲🇽 Caborca, Sonora, Mexico
 * 🇸🇻 Suchitoto, El Salvador
 * 🇩🇪 Zeitz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

title: Prescott, Arizona


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Prescott Valley, Arizona

Prescott Valley is a town located in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States, approximately 8 mi east of Prescott. According to the 2020 United States Census, Prescott Valley has a population of 46,785 residents.

History
Prescott Valley's Fitzmaurice Ruins contain artifacts from the early Mountain Patayan people who inhabited the area some 1,400 years ago. The Walker Party discovered gold along Lynx Creek in 1863. The Lynx Creek placers went on to produce a recorded 29000 ozt of gold. Estimates of actual production range up to 80,000 ozt, which would be worth about $138 million at 2020 prices.

Prescott Valley, formerly known as Lonesome Valley, was settled by ranchers in the 1880s, raising beef to supply the miners and new settlers. The Fain family, pioneer ranchers, still ranch in the valley.

Thomas Gibson Barlow-Massicks arrived in the area in the early 1890s and built the historic "castle" that still stands in Fain Park. Massicks had a hydraulic gold mining operation in Lynx Creek Canyon and built the company mining camp of Massicks, Arizona just east of his Victorian home, the castle. The fireplace with chimney just inside the castle's fence is all that remains of the Massicks store. Massicks accidentally shot himself and died in April 1899 at the age of 37. In the 1930s, there was a gold dredging operation, the Doodle Bug Diggings, farther east in Lynx Creek Canyon.

In the mid-1960s, Prescott Valley Incorporated, a real-estate company from Phoenix, purchased land in an area 10 miles east of Prescott known as Lonesome Valley. In 1966, representatives from Prescott Valley Inc. began traveling to the Midwest to sell home lots. By 1978, more than 1,500 residents were living in the unincorporated area now known as Prescott Valley. In 1978, 80 percent of the voters of Prescott Valley voted for incorporation as a town. The town celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018.

In 1985, Prescott Valley got its first licensed radio station. The station was the first solar powered FM station in the United States. Today, Arizona's Hometown Radio Group has grown to seven stations throughout Arizona.

Geography
Prescott Valley (locally, PV) is located in central Arizona approximately 85 mi north of Phoenix at 5100 ft. elevation. PV has good access to Arizona State Route 89, SR-89A and SR-69, connecting to  Interstates 17 and 40. Air service is available at Ernest A. Love Field, approximately 8 mi northwest.

One of PV's landmarks, Glassford Hill (elevation 6177 ft) was an active volcano between 10 and 14 million years ago. Colonel William A. Glassford traveled the area in the 1880s and helped build a system of 27 heliograph stations to monitor the movements of Apache Indians, U.S. military troops and civilians. Glassford Hill was a part of that early communications system.

Demographics
According to 2020 census, there were 46,785 people and 21,276 households residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 78.7% non-Hispanic White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.3% American Indian, 1.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander and 10.4% from two or more races. 19.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of 2020, there were 19,357 households and the average household size was 2.37. The median income for a household in the Town was $60,033 and the per capita income for the town was $30,686. About 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line.

Economy
Prescott Valley's economy consists of industrial, manufacturing, retail and service businesses. Many retirees live there due to relatively inexpensive housing and the mild climate.

Top employers
According to the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation, the top employers in the town as of April 2022 are:

Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Prescott Valley has a cold semi arid climate (abbreviated BSk).

Culture
Prescott was the location of Arizona's first Elks Lodge (BPOE). In December 1895 a group of enterprising businessmen in Prescott, sturdy products of the early west, chartered the original petition for a dispensation and later established the Prescott Elks Lodge #330. "Mother Lodge of Arizona" The Prescott Elks Opera House was built by the lodge in 1905. The Prescott Elks Lodge is now located in Prescott Valley and has served the community for more than 116 years.

Attractions
Prescott Valley is located within 10 minutes of the Prescott National Forest, with lakes, fishing, hiking and camping. The Entertainment District is located downtown and offers a variety of restaurants, a 6,000-seat events center, a multi-screen movie theater, and retail shops. There are 27 parks. Fain Park preserves remnants of early 20th century gold mining along Lynx Creek.

Sports
The Northern Arizona Suns, a minor league basketball team in the NBA G League, played in the Findlay Toyota Center from 2016 to 2020.

The Arizona Sundogs minor professional ice hockey team called Prescott Valley its home from 2006 to 2014. The team won the Central Hockey League championship in 2008.

The Arizona Adrenaline indoor football team also played two seasons in the Tim's Toyota Center (now the Findlay Toyota Center.) A new team, the Northern Arizona Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, began play in 2021 and won the league's National Championship in 2022.

Prescott Valley's Mountain Valley Splash is an outdoor community pool that seasonally offers children's swim lessons, water aerobics, school swim team practices, and recreational swim. The pool features a splash pad, fountains and a water slide.

Parks and trails
Prescott Valley has over 300 acres of community parks and trails that are open to the public. Parks range from athletic fields to playgrounds, walking paths, and waterways. The trails offer a variety of terrain and views depending on time of year/seasons.

Fain Park
The Fain family, who were one of the original pioneer families to settle in Prescott Valley, donated the land in which Fain Park is located to the citizens of Prescott Valley. The Fain Lake is located within the park. Also located in the park is the Victorian British Manor known as “The Castle”. The structure was built in 1891, by English entrepreneur Thomas Gibson Barlow-Massicks. Barlow-Massicks established a gold mining operation and some of the equipment which he used is on display there. The Chapel of the Valley opened in 2002. The stained glass windows of the chapel, made in 1906 in Germany, once belonged to the Mercy Hospital which burned to the ground in 1940. Henry Lovell Brooks (1912–2006), an educator and organist for the First Congregational Church in Prescott, helped build the Chapel of the Valley and donated the windows and a 1877 Estey Reed Pipe Organ. Fain Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as part of the Lynx Creek District, on August 31, 1978, reference # 78000571. Fain Park is located at south of Arizona State Route 69 and east of Stoneridge Drive.

Pictured are the following:
 * The Lynx Creek District National Register of Historic Places marker.
 * The Fain Park waterfall
 * The Fain Park Bridge over Fain Lake.
 * The Lynx Creek Dam.
 * A 30” diameter pipe constructed from individual tubes, riveted together to control the flow of water during the hydraulic gold mining process.
 * A refurbished Gold Stamp Mill and other mining equipment.
 * The Barlow-Massicks Victorian British Manor "The Castle" and the manor's storage shack and tool shed.
 * The ruins of what was once the Massicks Stage Stop and Post Office and that of a wagon.
 * A 1906 stained glass window and dedication in the Chapel of the Valley.
 * The 1877, Estey Reed Pipe Organ which Henry Lovell Brooks donated to the Chapel of the Valley.
 * Chapel of the Valley marker.

Transportation
There are three main thoroughfares in and around Prescott Valley which include Arizona State Route 89A, Arizona State Route 69 and Fain Road. Arizona State Route 89A is a four lane divided highway that connects Prescott Valley to northern Prescott and Ernest A. Love Field Airport to the west and to the east Jerome, Cottonwood and Sedona. Arizona State Route 69 is a six lane roadway that connects Prescott Valley to downtown Prescott and Interstate 17. Fain Road is a four lane limited access freeway that links Arizona State Route 89A and Arizona State Route 69 in the east. In 2006 the town of Prescott Valley proposed the Great western Corridor from Arizona State Route 89A to Outer Loop road in Chino Valley, Arizona.

Created in 2022, the YavaLine Regional Transit System (“YAV”) is the first-ever transit service in the Prescott Valley area. The YAV is starting with a shared ride, on-demand service.

Notable people

 * Sharlot Hall's family had a ranch between present-day Prescott Valley and Dewey. She lived there from 1890 to about 1925.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Prescott Valley, Arizona


text:
Seligman, Arizona

Seligman is a census-designated place (CDP) on the northern border of Yavapai County, in northwestern Arizona,  United States. The population was 456 at the 2020 census. It is one of the stops on historic U.S. Route 66.

Geography
Seligman is located at 35.32833°N, -112.87417°W (35.328199, −112.874303), at 5240 ft in elevation, alongside the Big Chino Wash, in a northern section of Chino Valley. The wash is a major tributary of the Verde River. Seligman is a popular stopping point along Historic U.S. Route 66.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Seligman CDP has a total area of 6.4 sqmi, all land.

History
The region was in the longtime homeland of the Havasupai people, who had a settlement in the present day Seligman area. The town site was on Beale's Wagon Road, and a stage stop on the Mojave Road

Originally, Seligman was called "Prescott Junction" because it was the railroad stop on the Santa Fe mainline junction with the Prescott and Arizona Central Railway Company feeder line running to Prescott, in the Arizona Territory. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF) had reached it in 1882. In 1886 it was renamed Seligman, after Jesse Seligman, one of the founders of J. & W. Seligman & Co. of New York, who helped finance the railroad lines in the area. The original feeder line to Prescott was replaced in 1891 by the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railway with the Santa Fe mainline junction at Ash Fork instead.

Because of its flat land Seligman became a large switching yard consisting of many tracks, and served as a large livestock shipping center for the areas ranchers. It was also a terminal point for changing train crews between Winslow and Needles, who used overnight cottages in the town.

Havasu Harvey House
The "Havasu House" was a Fred Harvey Company Harvey House hotel and restaurant in Seligman, serving the Santa Fe Railway and local residents. It was named "Havasu" after the native Havasupai tribe of the area. Adjacent to it was the Santa Fe Depot and Reading Room. The Havasu Harvey House opened in 1905, closed in 1954, and was demolished in 2008.

Passenger trains ceased stopping in Seligman in 1984. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) has owned the tracks through town since 1996, which carries numerous freight trains and nonstop Amtrak trains. The former Santa Fe Reading room is now located at the Seligman High School.

Route 66 – Seligman Commercial Historic District
The Seligman Commercial Historic District is a historic district in central Seligman. The historic district is along historic Route 66 in town, which was designated a historic highway by the state of Arizona in 1978. The Seligman Commercial Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The Seligman was on the original U.S. Route 66 from 1926 through 1978, when Interstate 40 bypassed it a few miles south. Seligman experienced its real heyday after World War II, when returning veterans and other motorists hit the road and made the Southwest a popular tourist destination. The Seligman Commercial Historic District is roughly bounded by 1st and Lamport Sts. and Picacho and Railroad Aves. It was added to National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 2005, reference #04000511. The Seligman Commercial Historic District protects the historical central area's early 20th century commercial buildings along Historic Route 66, a revived popular tourist destination. Historic district contributing properties include the Pitts General Merchandise Store and the U.S. Post Office from 1903, the Pioneer Hall and Theatre and the Seligman Garage from 1905, and the Seligman Pool Hall from 1923.

In 1987 Seligman gained its name "Birthplace of Historic Route 66" due to the efforts of Seligman residents, who convinced the State of Arizona to dedicate Route 66 a historic highway. Seligman is the first stop heading west on the longest uninterrupted stretch of historic Route 66, running around 160 mi to Topock on the east side of the Colorado River. (Note: this claim is about the historical Route 66 and is not to be construed as "the Birthplace of Route 66". Route 66 was established by the U.S. Congress on November 26, 1926, starting in Chicago, Illinois and ending in Los Angeles, California. The first sign recognizing this designation was posted in Springfield, Missouri on April 30, 1926, and it took over a decade to pave the full route in its entirety.)

Pictured are some of the contributing structures in the Seligman Commercial Historic District and the historic Route 66. Also, pictured are some of the historical structures outside of the Seligman Commercial Historic District zone, some of which are individually listed in the National Register of Historic places.

 * The Snow Cap Drive-In – built in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo and family with scrap lumber that Juan collected while working for the Santa Fe Railway.
 * The Shell Gas Station, Olson's Shell, The Road Trip Museum/Return to the 50s, Return to the 50s Gift Shop – built in 1961, this building, renamed various times, was one of the locations of the bus stop, when Greyhound buses still stopped in Seligman.
 * Miller's Dry Cleaners, Rainbow Café, Seligman Supply, The Rusty Bolt– built in 1933, this building has been used as a dry-cleaners, a 24-hour restaurant, a hardware store, and a curio shop.
 * The Thunderbird Indian Store, Rusty Bolt Antiques, Private Residence, Rusty Bolt Gift Shop – built in 1955 by Reginald Sander. This building was merged with old Miller's Dry Cleaning building to make the large building that houses the Rusty Bolt that you see today.
 * The Copper Cart – built in 1952, is now a store and no longer the classic diner it once was.
 * Pioneer Hall Theatre/Dancehall Ted's Fountain "Famous for Malts" and Historic Seligman Sundries – built in 1905, this building was originally a theater and dance hall. In 1930, it was then converted to a drug store and fountain soda shop. It is now a coffee house and curio shop.
 * The Black Cat Bar – rebuilt in 1963, it was once called "Jolly's Black Cat Café"
 * The Pitts & Washington Central Commercial building – built in 1903 by Jim Pitts. In recent years the building has been used as a variety store and an antique stove store.
 * Canyon Shadows Motel, Comfort Lodge, Canyon Lodge – built in 1963 and as noted had undergone various name changes
 * Donovan's Garage / Texaco Station (Donovan's 1-Stop Shop) 1936 Wilkinson Motors / Texaco / Ford Dealership B&R Car Care / Texaco Goldsmith Motors (Ford Agency) B&B Automotive Seff Feed Store.
 * The Aztec Motel – the original building was built in 1935 and the additions in 1955.
 * The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company reading room – built in 1899. The building is currently located within the school grounds of Seligman.
 * The Cottage Hotel – built in 1910, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on February 12, 1998, and located at 1st Street and Shoney Avenue.
 * The Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens house and bar – Owens resided in Seligman and opened a bar after he retired from law enforcement. He was a lawman and gunfighter of the Old West. One of his many exploits was the Owens-Blevins Shootout in Arizona Territory during the Pleasant Valley War.

Seligman Depot
At the western end of the town, directly west of the Roadkill Cafe, is a western town facade labeled "Seligman Depot" It includes 5 storefronts: A Livery, a "Tonsorial Parlor" (dentist), a hotel, a gun shop, and a Wells Fargo bank. There are no actual businesses residing behind the storefronts. Between this "Depot" and the Roadkill Cafe is a log cabin with the word "JAIL" painted in white above the doorway; in front of the cabin is a painted metal sign which declares the cabin to be "1860 Arizona Territorial Jail". The sign further states: ''At one time, held such notorious outlaws like – Seligman Sam – Three Finger Jack – James Younger and many more in 1866 four indians escaped by tunneling from this small cell to the OK saloon. Four days later they were dead after a shootout with Marshal Carl "Curly" Bane''. Behind the "jail" is a corral that holds a buffalo for tourist viewing during the summer months.

The "Seligman Depot" and the "1860 Arizona Territorial Jail" are not authentic historical buildings, but owned by the Roadkill Cafe owners and built to attract tourists to the Cafe and the attached "OK Saloon". One should note that Arizona Territory did not exist until 1863, and Seligman itself was not established until 1886 (per the city sign at the edge of town). Marshal Carl "Curly" Bane, the Indian jail escape and the list of outlaws are also fictitious. There are no local or other documents claiming any authenticity to any of the property; visitors are simply left to believe what they wish of the park.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 456 people, 205 households, and 121 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 71.5 PD/sqmi. There were 281 housing units at an average density of 44.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85% White, <1% Black or African American, 2% Native American, 2% Asian, <1% Pacific Islander, 6% from other races, and 5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19% of the population.

There were 205 households, out of which 29% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45% were married couples living together, 11% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41% were non-families. 37% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.9.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27% under the age of 18, 5% from 18 to 24, 25% from 25 to 44, 24% from 45 to 64, and 19% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was US$23,833, and the median income for a family was US$29,722. Males had a median income of US$27,083 versus US$13,594 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was US$11,976. About 14% of families and 17% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19% of those under age 18 and 17% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Seligman is within the Seligman Unified School District.

The Seligman High School colors are red, white, and black, and its teams are called the Antelopes. The basketball team won the 1-A state championship in 2006 after consecutive second-round exits in the tournament in the two previous years. As well, its baseball team has lost in the final game of the state championship for three straight years.

In popular culture
The town of Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars franchise is loosely based on Seligman. While researching the history of Route 66, John Lasseter, director of the first two Cars films, met Seligman barber Angel Delgadillo, who told him how traffic through the town virtually disappeared on the day that nearby Interstate 40 opened.

Delgadillo's brother Juan opened Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In in 1953; the eatery has since become a famous roadside attraction. Author, Route 66 historian and Cars voice actor Michael Wallis covers the history of the restaurant in his book, Route 66: The Mother Road.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Sunset Crater has a cold semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * Commodore Perry Owens – Old West gunfighter and lawman
 * Georgie Sicking – western rancher, cowboy poet, and member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Born in Seligman in 1921.

title: Seligman, Arizona


text:
Spring Valley, Arizona

Spring Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. The population was 1,019 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Spring Valley is located at 34.3425°N, -112.16°W (34.342630, -112.159973).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,019 people, 427 households, and 283 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 96.5 PD/sqmi. There were 493 housing units at an average density of 46.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.0% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. 4.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 427 households, out of which 17.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 18.5% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 26.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,924, and the median income for a family was $34,688. Males had a median income of $41,500 versus $23,047 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,168. About 1.8% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents are in the Mayer Unified School District.

Spring Ridge Academy is an all-girls boarding school, for troubled teens, that was founded in 1996.

title: Spring Valley, Arizona


text:
Wilhoit, Arizona

Wilhoit is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. The population was 664 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Wilhoit is located at 34.41889°N, -112.60444°W (34.418777, -112.604547).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 15.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 664 people, 298 households, and 187 families living in the CDP. The population density was 42.4 PD/sqmi. There were 363 housing units at an average density of 23.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.6% White, 0.9% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 5.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 298 households, out of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.1% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 33.7% from 45 to 64, and 25.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $23,500, and the median income for a family was $30,938. Males had a median income of $27,222 versus $25,938 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,466. About 10.1% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

History
In the mid-1920s, a road was being built to connect Phoenix and Prescott, by way of Congress and Yarnell. There, a man by the name of Frank Wilhoit built culverts for the road, and then later homesteaded that area with his wife, Christina. The Wilhoit family then built a gas station and garage on one side of the road, and a restaurant on the other. Mr. Wilhoit operated the garage and Mrs. Wilhoit operated the restaurant which remained busy, as foreigners to the town needed a place to eat, and that they also needed an auto-garage considering tires in the 1920s did not hold up well on gravel roads. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhoit would later leave the area and move to Wickenburg around 1930, but the small area retained the name and the area later evolved into a place well known for its mobile homes.

Education
It is in the Kirkland Elementary School District. the Prescott Unified School District takes secondary students from the Kirkland district, as it is required to under law. The district operates Prescott High School.

title: Wilhoit, Arizona


text:
Williamson, Arizona

Williamson is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. The population was 3,776 at the 2000 census and 6,196 at the 2020 census. The name "Wiliamson" is a misnomer, perhaps propagated by federal bureaucratic error; the area has long been known as "Williamson Valley" after the major road through the area, Williamson Valley Road.

Geography
Williamson is located at 34.67444°N, -112.53056°W (34.674552, -112.530445).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 57.6 sqmi, all land.

An attempt in 2009 to incorporate the area into a town failed after the neighboring town of Prescott voted against the proposal.

Part or all of the area of Williamson historically was referred to as Williamson Valley by area residents and by the county's Board of Supervisors, County Planning Commission, and staff. alike. In a County plan, however, "only the northern portion of the plan area is 'Williamson Valley.' The southern portion was long ago called Mint Valley".

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 3,776 people, 1,558 households, and 1,266 families in the CDP. The population density was 65.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,718 housing units at an average density of 29.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.9% White, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 3.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,558 households 20.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.8% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.7% were non-families. 14.2% of households were one person and 5.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.65.

The age distribution was 17.7% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 17.1% from 25 to 44, 41.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% 65 or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median household income was $47,182 and the median family income was $51,983. Males had a median income of $40,189 versus $26,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $30,232. About 3.6% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Williamson, Arizona


text:
Yarnell, Arizona

Yarnell is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. The population of Yarnell was 649 at the 2010 census. Yarnell's economy is based on ranching, mining and services to travelers and retirees. Peeples Valley, three miles north, is closely linked to Yarnell.

History
Gold was discovered in Yarnell in about 1865 by Charles Genung (1839–1916), a well-known area pioneer. The community is named after Harrison Yarnell, a later prospector, who discovered the Yarnell mine in 1873. Old U.S. Route 89 (now State Route 89), which goes through Yarnell, was paved in 1933, and for many years was the main highway from Phoenix to Wickenburg, Prescott and northern Arizona.

On June 30, 2013, the Yarnell Hill Fire destroyed half of the town and killed 19 firefighters.

Geography
Yarnell is located at 34.2225°N, -112.74972°W (34.222569, -112.749608).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.8 sqmi, all land.

Attractions
Yarnell Hill, which Highway 89 descends 1,300 feet in four miles, is a popular scenic drive. There is a developed lookout point at the top – only accessible from the downhill road.

The newest Arizona State Park, Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park, is just 3 miles south of Yarnell on State Highway 89. It was dedicated in 2016 as a place to remember the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshot Firefighters who were lost on June 30, 2013, while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles long from the trailhead to the Fatality Site, for a full length of about 7 miles. It is a somewhat difficult hike, with several up and down grades.

Yarnell Hill Fire Memorial Park is located in downtown Yarnell across from the Yarnell Fire Department’s administration building. Several etched metal signs give information about the Fire and about how it affected the citizens of Yarnell and Peeples Valley.

The Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains is a Catholic religious monument which features statuary hidden in the boulders. A short trail leads visitors through the stations of the cross.

The ghost towns of Stanton, Octave and Congress are nearby, as well as Harper's Flat, the first place on the right (east side of highway) at the top of Yarnell Hill. Harper's Flat also contains the old rest area for the highway that was built in 1925 and old mining buildings. The original stage road to the town of Stanton is on this property as well and still visible. A very interesting place to visit, although it is private property, the owners do allow people to drive through and take photos. This property is just south of the Ranch House Restaurant. Rich Hill in Weaver was the richest placer gold discovery in Arizona, discovered in 1863 by a party led by the mountain man Pauline Weaver and the prospector A. H. Peeples. All are popular with amateur prospectors and ghost town buffs.

Other attractions include hiking, UTV riding, gold prospecting, shopping, and restaurants.

Yarnell also includes a small community known as Glen Ilah.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 645 people, 359 households and 188 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 73.1 PD/sqmi. There were 516 housing units at an average density of 58.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.9% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 1.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 359 households, of which 10.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.6% were non-families. 40.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.35.

11.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 1.7% from 18 to 24, 16.4% from 25 to 44, 37.7% from 45 to 64, and 33.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 57 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.0 males.

The median household income was $24,792 and the median family income was $35,417. Males had a median income of $33,333 compared with $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,837. About 11.5% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Yarnell Elementary School District 52 serves students in grades Pre-K to 8 for most of the CDP, while a section of the CDP lies in the Congress Elementary School District. The former district operates Model Creek School.

After the 8th grade, Model Creek students move on to Prescott High School of the Prescott Unified School District. Previously Model Creek students could choose between that school and Wickenburg High School of the Wickenburg Unified School District, but in order to reduce taxes, the Yarnell Elementary District board removed the Wickenburg option in November 2018. The Congress district sends high school students to Wickenburg High. Congress district students attended Wickenburg USD for all grade levels prior to 2001, when the Congress K-8 facility opened.

title: Yarnell, Arizona


text:
Fortuna Foothills, Arizona

Fortuna Foothills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The population was 26,265 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area. Development of the area began in the 1960s, when local developer Hank Schechert purchased 3,000 acres east of Yuma. Fortuna Foothills serves as a bedroom community for Yuma, Yuma Proving Ground, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Fortuna Foothills is also an area with a large amount of seasonal residents.

Geography
Fortuna Foothills is located at 32.65778°N, -114.41194°W (32.657713, -114.411808).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 40.0 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 20,478 people, 9,652 households, and 7,364 families in the CDP. The population density was 511.7 PD/sqmi. There were 14,961 housing units at an average density of 373.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.1% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 6.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 12.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 9,652 households 11.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.1% were married couples living together, 3.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 19.2% of households were one person and 12.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.37.

The age distribution was 11.8% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 13.1% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 44.5% 65 or older. The median age was 63 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.9 males.

The median household income was $34,135 and the median family income was $37,031. Males had a median income of $34,284 versus $24,576 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,986. About 7.3% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

 * Yuma County Area Transit
 * Interstate 8

title: Fortuna Foothills, Arizona


text:
Gadsden, Arizona

Gadsden is a census-designated place (CDP) and colonia in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The population was 953 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Gadsden is located at 32.55778°N, -114.78333°W (32.557903, -114.783280).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 953 people, 236 households, and 206 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 550.5 PD/sqmi. There were 287 housing units at an average density of 165.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 40.9% White, 3.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 53.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 93.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 236 households, out of which 61.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.4% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.7% were non-families. 11.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.04 and the average family size was 4.39.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 39.3% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $21,000, and the median income for a family was $21,000. Males had a median income of $18,365 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $6,562. About 41.7% of families and 45.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.8% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Gadsden, Arizona


text:
Somerton, Arizona

Somerton is a city in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. As of the 2010 census the population was 14,287. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Somerton was established in 1898 and incorporated in 1918. Somerton's economy is based on agriculture, medical services, and tourism.

Geography
Somerton is located at 32.59722°N, -114.71222°W (32.597258, -114.712242).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.3 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 7,266 people in 1,818 households, including 1,652 families, in the city. The population density was 5,483.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,967 housing units at an average density of 1,484.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 44.5% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 51.1% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. 95.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,818 households 59.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.9% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 9.1% were non-families. 7.8% of households were one person and 4.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.99 and the average family size was 4.21.

The age distribution was 38.9% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% 65 or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.

The median household income was $26,544 and the median family income was $27,944. Males had a median income of $21,619 versus $16,677 for females. The per capita income for the city was $7,960. About 24.0% of families and 26.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.8% of those under age 18 and 27.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Somerton is served by the Somerton Elementary School District, the Crane Elementary School District, and the Yuma Union High School District. PPEP TEC High Schools's José Yepez Learning Center is located in Somerton. Somerton High School opened in August 2023. Arizona Western College also offer courses at the Somerton Middle School campus.

Events
Somerton has an annual Tamale Festival that benefits students from the area who will be attending Arizona State University. More than 20,000 visitors attend the festival each year. The festival is put together by The El Diablito Arizona State University (ASU) Alumni chapter. The chapter was established by ASU graduates who have returned to work and live in the Yuma/Somerton/San Luis areas.

Transportation
Somerton is served by Yuma County Area Transit, which connects with Greyhound in Yuma.

title: Somerton, Arizona


text:
Tacna, Arizona

Tacna is a census-designated place (CDP) and colonia in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The population was 555 at the 2000 census, and 602 as of 2010. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
By 1859, the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach company had opened the Antelope Peak Station at the foot of Antelope Hill. A post office named Tacna was created following the building of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, but did not last long. The name Tacna subsequently only referred to a railroad siding serving as a watering station. The town of Tacna was founded by Max B. Noah in the early 1920s, named after the railroad stop. At the time he sold the town in 1941, it contained a post office and a restaurant called Noah's Ark. After the town's sale, the post office was relocated four miles east, and the original railroad siding was renamed to Noah.

There is an apocryphal story that the name Tacna is derived from Tachnopolis, a Greek priest from California who is supposed to have settled amongst the native population. This claim appears to be entirely an invention of Noah.

Geography
Tacna is located along Interstate 8 within the Mohawk Valley and just south of the Gila River. It is east of the Yuma Metropolitan Statical Area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 555 people, 194 households, and 149 families in the CDP. The population density was 294.3 PD/sqmi. There were 281 housing units at an average density of 149.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 67% White, 1% Black or African American, 1% Native American, 1% Asian, 25% from other races, and 6% from two or more races. 51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 194 households 37% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66% were married couples living together, 7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23% were non-families. 18% of households were one person and 9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.25.

The age distribution was 30% under the age of 18, 8% from 18 to 24, 26% from 25 to 44, 19% from 45 to 64, and 17% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median household income was $25,556 and the median family income was $26,354. Males had a median income of $26,875 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,197. About 22% of families and 25% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34% of those under age 18 and 14% of those age 65 or over.

title: Tacna, Arizona


text:
Wellton, Arizona

Wellton is a town in Yuma County, Arizona, United States. According to the 2020 census, the population of the town is 2,375. It is part of the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Wellton is located at 32.67139°N, -114.14083°W (32.671436, -114.140972).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 28.88 sqmi, all land.

Wellton is located along Interstate 8 and the former route of U.S. Route 80. The town was named after the wells providing water for the railroad. Wellton's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, and the town prides itself on its rich farming heritage. The region's fertile soil and abundant water supply have made it an ideal location for growing crops such as lettuce, onions, and cotton. Visitors can learn about the town's agricultural past at the Wellton Mohawk Valley Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the town's early settlers and their contributions to agricultural development in the area.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,829 people, 700 households, and 552 families in the town. The population density was 727.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,144 housing units at an average density of 454.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 68.2% White, 2.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 25.4% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. 40.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 700 households 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 17.7% of households were one person and 10.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.95.

The age distribution was 23.9% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% 65 or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.

The median household income was $27,045 and the median family income was $30,071. Males had a median income of $27,292 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,644. About 16.1% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Population
During the winter season, the population virtually doubles with snowbirds from the western US as well as the western provinces of Canada filling up the many RV parks. Wellton is becoming a popular retirement destination.

The town currently operates two 18-hole golf courses that are a magnet for winter visitors. Much development is happening centered on the newer golf course and also in more rural areas as well.

Notable people

 * Derald Langham (1913–1991), agricultural geneticist

Economy
Five Rivers Cattle Feeding operates a feedlot outside Wellton. US Border Patrol has a station outside of Wellton.

Transportation

 * Yuma County Area Transit
 * Interstate 8

title: Wellton, Arizona


text:
Yuma, Arizona

Yuma is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The city's population was 95,548 at the 2020 census, up from the 2010 census population of 93,064.

Yuma is the principal city of the Yuma, Arizona, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Yuma County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 estimated population of the Yuma MSA is 203,247. According to Guinness World Records, Yuma is the "Sunniest City on Earth," promising "sunshine and warm weather at least 91% of the year." Anywhere from 70,000 to over 85,000 out-of-state visitors make Yuma their winter residence.

Yuma's weather also makes it an agricultural powerhouse, growing over 175 types of crops, the largest of which is lettuce. Yuma County provides 90% of all leafy vegetables grown from November to March in the United States. Yuma is also known for its large military population due to several military bases, including the Marine Corps Air Station.

Yuma is in the state's southwestern corner, in the Sonoran Desert, Yuma Desert sub-region.

History
The area's first settlers for thousands of years were Native American cultures and historic tribes. Their descendants now occupy the Cocopah and Quechan reservations.

In 1540, Spanish colonial expeditions under Hernando de Alarcón and Melchior Díaz visited the area and immediately recognized the natural crossing of the Colorado River as an ideal spot for a city. The Colorado River narrows to slightly under 1000 ft wide in one area. Military expeditions that crossed the Colorado River at the Yuma Crossing include Juan Bautista de Anza (1774), the Mormon Battalion (1848) and the California Column (1862).

During and after the California Gold Rush to the late 1870s, the Yuma Crossing was known for its ferry crossings for the Southern Emigrant Trail. This was considered the gateway to California, as it was one of the few natural spots where travelers could cross the otherwise very wide Colorado River.

First settlements
Following the United States establishing Fort Yuma, two towns developed one mile downriver. The one on the California side was called Jaeger City, named after the owner of Jaeger's Ferry, which crossed the river there. It was for a time the larger of the two, with the Butterfield Overland Mail office and station, two blacksmiths, a hotel, two stores, and other dwellings.

The other was called Colorado City. Developed on the south side of the river in what is now Arizona by speculator Charles Poston, it was the site of the custom house. When started, it was just north of the border between Mexican-ruled Sonora, Mexico and California. After the Gadsden Purchase by the United States, the town bordered on the Territory of New Mexico. This area was designated as the Territory of Arizona in 1863. The Colorado City site at the time was duly registered in San Diego; both banks of the Colorado River just below its confluence with the Gila were recognized as being within the jurisdiction of California. The county of San Diego collected taxes from there for many years.

From 1853 a smaller settlement, Arizona City, grew up on the high ground across from the fort and was organized under the name of its post office in 1858. It had adobe dwellings, two stores and two saloons. Colorado City and Jaeger City were almost completely destroyed by the Great Flood of 1862 and had to be rebuilt on higher ground. At that time Colorado City became part of Arizona City. It took the name Yuma in 1873.

Early development
From 1854, Colorado City was the major steamboat stop for traffic up and down the Colorado River. After the 1862 flood, it became part of Arizona City. The steamboats transported passengers and equipment for the various mines and military outposts along the Colorado; Colorado City was the terminus of wagon traffic up the Gila River into New Mexico Territory. They offloaded the cargo from ships at the mouth of the Colorado River at Robinson's Landing and from 1864 at Port Isabel. From 1864, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, today a state historic park, supplied all forts in present-day Arizona, as well as large parts of Colorado and New Mexico. After Arizona became a separate territory, Yuma became the county seat for Yuma County in 1871, replacing La Paz, the first seat.

The Southern Pacific Railroad bridged the river in 1877, and acquired George Alonzo Johnson's Colorado Steam Navigation Company, the only steamboat company on the river. Yuma became the new base of navigation on the river, ending the need for Port Isabel, which was abandoned in 1879. The warehouses and shipyard there were moved to Yuma.

Geography
Yuma is near the borders of California to the west and Mexico to the south, and just west of the Gila River's confluence with the Colorado. The city is approximately 60 mi from the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), a branch of the Pacific.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 106.7 sqmi, of which 106.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.07%) is water.

Climate
Yuma is noted for its weather extremes. Of any populated place in the contiguous United States, Yuma is the driest, the sunniest, and the least humid, has the lowest frequency of precipitation, and has the highest number of sunny days per year—175—with a daily maximum temperature of 90 °F or higher.

Yuma features a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), with extremely hot summers and warm winters. Atmospheric humidity is usually very low, except during what are called "Gulf surges", when a maritime tropical air mass from the Gulf of California is drawn northward, usually in connection with the summer monsoon or the passage of a tropical storm to the south.

The sun is said to shine during about 90% of the daylight hours, making Yuma one of the sunniest places in the world. The city receives the most recorded mean sunshine of anywhere on Earth, although the equipment used by the United States tends to provide higher sunshine estimates than the traditional Campbell–Stokes recorder.

On average, Yuma receives 3.36 in of rain annually. Even in the wettest year of 2005, only 7.39 in fell. The driest year at Yuma Airport was 2007, with only 0.15 in recorded. On average, the wettest months of the year are during the monsoon months of August and September, and December, when moisture from winter storms arrives from the Pacific Ocean. June is the driest month, with drought virtually absolute.

In 1995, Yuma recorded its all-time high temperature of 124 °F. The lowest recorded temperature was in the Yuma-Mesa area in January 2007. The temperature fell to -6 C for approximately two hours, harming many crops grown in and around Yuma. Citrus suffered the most, particularly the lemon crop. According to an Arizona Department of Agriculture report in February 2007, there was a 75% to 95% loss of crop and trees. On average (according to the 1991-2020 climate period), the temperature reaches freezing point in one year in fifteen, and there are 117 days per year during which the temperature reaches or exceeds 100 °F, usually from April through October. During July and August, the temperature fails to reach 100 F on only one and two days on average, respectively.

In 1997, the desert city sustained a full tropical storm after Hurricane Nora made landfall at the mouth of the Colorado River and quickly moved due north along it. This rare event cut power to 12,000 customers in Yuma, and dropped 3.59 in of rain at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The last time a hurricane had hit near Yuma was in mid-August 1977, when similar rainfalls were recorded.

Snow in Yuma has only been recorded on December 12, 1932, when a light coating of snow covered the city for the first and only time in its history. A few flakes fell in January 1937 and December 1967, mixed with rain.

Demographics
Yuma first appeared on the 1860 U.S. Census as the village of "Arizonia" (Arizona City) in what was then Arizona County, New Mexico Territory (see Arizona City (Yuma, Arizona) for details). It returned as Arizona City in 1870 and then became Yuma in 1873. On April 12, 1902, the village of Yuma was incorporated as a town. It formally incorporated as a city on April 7, 1914.

2022 American Community Survey
American Community Survey estimates, there were 98,517 people and 39,210 households. The population density was 813.9 PD/sqmi. There were 45,408 housing units at an average density of 375.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 39.7% White, 27.9% some other race, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.8% Native American or Alaskan Native, with 27.7% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 66.5% of the population.

Of the 39,210 households, 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.2% had seniors 65 years or older living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 6.8% were couples cohabitating, 17.4% had a male householder with no partner present, and 27.6% had a female householder with no partner present. The median household size was 2.45 and the median family size was 2.96.

The age distribution was 26.3% under 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 or older. The median age was 33.6 years.

The median income for a household was $58,043, with family households having a median income of $65,926 and non-family households $32,347. The per capita income was $31,467. Out of the 96,149 people with a determined poverty status, 9.8% were below the poverty line. Further, 10.5% of minors and 11.6% of seniors were below the poverty line.

In the survey, residents self-identified with various ethnic ancestries. People of English descent made up 5.6% of the population of the town, followed by German at 5.0%, American at 3.4%, Irish at 3.1%, Sub-Saharan African at 1.4%, Swedish at 1.4%, Italian at 1.3%, French at 0.9%, Norwegian at 0.7%, Scottish at 0.6%, and Scotch-Irish at 0.5%.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 93,064 people. There were 38,626 housing units in Yuma city, 79.5% of which were occupied housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 68.8% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 4.5% from two or more races. 54.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 Census
As of the 2000 census, there were 77,515 people, 26,649 households, and 19,613 families residing in the city. The population density was 726.8 PD/sqmi. There were 34,475 housing units at an average density of 323.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 68.3% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 21.4% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. 45.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 26,649 households, out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.2 males.

According to the 2006 American Community Survey estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $39,885, and the median income for a family was $41,588. Males had a median income of $35,440 versus $27,035 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,393. About 14.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.4% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

High unemployment remains an issue in Yuma. Citing April 2014 data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Yuma as having the highest unemployment rate in the United States at 23.8 percent, above the 21.6 percent in El Centro, California. Yuma's agricultural workforce, which adjusts to the picking season, is cited by the Arizona Department of Commerce as the reason for the apparent high unemployment.

Economy

The Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area has the highest unemployment rate in the United States as of 2018 at 20.9%. A large percentage of the work force is employed seasonally in agriculture, contributing to apparent unemployment.

Yuma is colloquially referred to as the "Winter Lettuce Capital of the World".

Top employers
According to the city's 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the Yuma Metropolitan Statistical Area in 2018 were:

Other large employers include Bose, Dole Fresh Vegetables and Shaw Industries.

Arts and culture

Yuma contains the historical Yuma Territorial Prison, the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park (formerly known as the Yuma Crossing Historic Park), and a historic downtown area. Yuma is an Arizona Main Street City. Because of budget cutbacks at the state level, Arizona State Parks no longer operates the Territorial Prison and Quartermaster Depot. They are now operated by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and the City of Yuma. The Yuma Visitors' Bureau oversees the Welcome Center at the Quartermaster Depot and is the official visitors' center for the Yuma Community.

Near Yuma are the Kofa Mountain Range and wildlife refuge, Martinez and Mittry Lakes, and the Algodones Dunes.

The city is the location of the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, which conducts an annual air show and many large-scale military exercises. There is also the Yuma Proving Ground, an Army base that tests new military equipment. Yuma Proving Ground is also home to the Special Operations Free Fall School, which provides training in free-fall parachute operations to Special Forces units in all branches of service, as well as those of other nations.

The Colorado River runs along the north and west side of town, serving as the border between Arizona and California. Yuma is an important station for trucking industry movement of goods between California, Arizona and Mexico.

The Rialto movie theater once owned a Kilgen pipe organ, one of the most expensive pipe organs to have been made. Originally played as accompaniment to silent films, it has been moved to the Yuma Theatre.

Every February residents and visitors enjoy the annual rodeo, the Yuma Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo. A parade opens the events. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country compete in the festivities.

The Yuma County Fair takes place annually in the spring at the fairgrounds in Yuma.

On New Year's Eve 2018, the town of Yuma dropped a head of iceberg lettuce from the town's water tower, to symbolize the beginning of the new year, much like the ball drop in New York City's Times Square. This is known as the "Iceberg Drop".

Sports
Yuma has a soccer-specific stadium, Desert Sun Stadium, which hosted Frontera United of the United Premier Soccer League from 2015 to 2017. Previously a baseball facility, Desert Sun Stadium was home to the Yuma Desert Rats of the North American League and site of home games of four teams for the Arizona Winter League. The San Diego Padres used the field as a spring training facility from 1969 until 1993 and a Japanese baseball team, the Yakult Swallows, used the field for spring training from 1995 to 2015. Many local club sports exist in the area as well, including the Yuma Sidewinders Rugby Football Club. The rugby team participates in the Division III Arizona Men's Rugby league, and travels throughout Arizona, California and Nevada, as well as playing home games in Yuma.

Organization
The city of Yuma operates as a charter city under the Charter of the City of Yuma. The elected government of the city is the City Council which follows the mayor–council government system and whose members include:

Mayor
The Mayor of the City of Yuma acts as the chief executive officer of the city, and is elected for a period of four years. The mayor is elected from the city at large. The mayor has the following powers and responsibilities: act as an ex officio chairman of the city council (ensuring all ordinances thereof are enforced), call and preside over meetings, administer oaths and issue proclamations. The mayor is also recognized as the official head of the city by the courts and has the power to take command of the police and govern the city by proclamation during times of great danger.

City Council
The City of Yuma City Council is the governing body of the City of Yuma and is vested with all powers of legislation in municipal affairs. The council is composed of six council members elected from the city at large for four-year terms, as well as the Mayor of Yuma. A deputy mayor is also elected by the Council who shall act as Mayor during the temporary absence of the mayor. Karen Watts became the most recent Deputy Mayor in 2020. The current council members are Gary Knight, Leslie McClendon, Chris Morris, Ema Lea Shoop, Mike Shelton, and Karen Watts. The next election is the August 2022 Primary for the three city council seats that are currently held by Watts, Knight, and McClendon. Former Deputy Mayor Karen Watts announced her bid for Mayor in 2022.

City Administrator
The City Council appoints a city administrator who acts as the chief administrative officer of the city. The city administrator is directly responsible to the City Council for the administration of all city affairs placed in his charge by the City Charter, or by ordinances passed by the council. Some of the administrator's duties include: see that all laws and provisions of the City Charter are faithfully executed, prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the City Council and keep the City Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the city.

Education
The city is zoned to the Yuma Union High School District. Yuma has five public high schools: Yuma Union High School, Kofa High School, Cibola High School, Gila Ridge High School, Vista Alternative High School; and the private Yuma Catholic High School and Calvary Baptist School. Yuma also has three charter high schools: Desert View Middle & High School, Harvest Preparatory Academy, and YPIC Charter High School.

Yuma has two main elementary school districts, District One and Crane District, which include several schools as well as junior high schools. Yuma has four charter elementary school: AmeriSchools Academy North and South, Harvest Preparatory Academy, and Desert View Academy.

Additionally, Yuma has six private elementary schools: Yuma Lutheran School, Yuma Adventist Christian School, Immaculate Conception School, St. Francis of Assisi School, Calvary Baptist School and Southwestern Christian School.

Arizona Western College is Yuma's community college, serving primarily as a choice for transfer students and those with shorter career goals.

All three public state universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the AWC Yuma campus. Northern Arizona University has a branch campus, Arizona State University operates an ASU Local site, and the University of Arizona has a facility adjacent to the campus.

Yuma is served by the Yuma County Library District which consists of a Main Library and several branches, including sites in Somerton, Wellton, Fortuna Foothills, and San Luis. A new main state-of-the-art library is now open.

Media

 * Yuma Sun newspaper
 * KECY-TV FOX, ABC, CW and Telemundo Affiliate
 * KYMA-DT NBC and CBS Affiliate
 * KCFY 88.1 KCFY Christian Radio
 * KAWC-FM 88.9 FM Public Radio (Arizona Western College)
 * KYRM 91.9 FM Radio Manantial
 * KLJZ 93.1 FM Adult Contemporary Radio
 * KTTI 95.1 FM Country Radio
 * XHMIX 98.3 FM Top 40 Radio
 * KQSR 100.9 FM Adult Contemporary Radio
 * KCEC 104.5 FM Regional Mexican Radio
 * KBLU 560 AM Talk Radio
 * KOFA 1320 AM Public Radio (Arizona Western College)
 * KCYK 1400 AM Country Radio

Transportation

 * Yuma County Area Transit
 * Yuma International Airport
 * Yuma Station (Amtrak)
 * Greyhound Lines, which utilizes a stop at 1245 South Castle Dome Avenue.
 * FlixBus, which utilizes a stop at 2931 East Gilla Ridge Road.
 * Camel Express to Quartzsite, Arizona
 * Interstate 8
 * Business Loop 8
 * U.S. Route 95
 * Arizona State Route 195

Notable people

 * Alex Barrett (born 1994), American football player
 * Ryan Bedford, Olympic speed skater
 * Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins
 * Charles Brinley, actor of the silent era
 * Cesar Chavez, Mexican American civil rights leader
 * Tom Childs, miner and rancher
 * Curley Culp, NFL player for Kansas City Chiefs, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
 * Jason DeCorse, guitarist for The Icarus Line
 * Efrain Escudero, NCAA All-American wrestler, mixed martial artist, UFC fighter, and Ultimate Fighter Season 8 reality TV show champion
 * Edgar Garcia, current mixed martial artist, and former UFC and WEC fighter
 * Irving Garcia, USL Pro player for Los Angeles Blues
 * Kelvin Gastelum, Ultimate Fighter 17 reality TV show champion, and UFC fighter in the Middleweight division.
 * Bill Hudson, Alaska state legislator
 * Ron Jessie, NFL wide receiver for Los Angeles Rams
 * Robert Wilson Kennerly, retired politician and community leader
 * Curtis Lee, singer
 * Jonathan Lines, businessman, former Chair of Arizona Republican Party
 * Jose Maria Redondo, entrepreneur and former mayor of Yuma
 * Mike Marshall, manager of Yuma Scorpions, won two World Series rings with Los Angeles Dodgers
 * Bengie Molina, Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers; played shortstop for Arizona Western College in 1991 and 1992
 * Bobby Pacho, 1930s professional boxer and Welterweight world title contender
 * Bob Porter, major league baseball player
 * DeForest Porter, mayor of Phoenix; Justice, Arizona Territory Supreme Court
 * John Shanssey, boxer, gambler, saloon owner, and Mayor of Yuma
 * Cain Velasquez, UFC heavyweight champion, All-American collegiate wrestler
 * Roger L. Worsley, educator; lived in Yuma, 1959 to 1963
 * Eduardo Franco (born 1994), actor

title: Yuma, Arizona


text:
Almyra, Arkansas

Almyra is a town in Arkansas County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 283 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 sqkm, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Almyra has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 319 people, 124 households, and 93 families residing in the town. The population density was 315.8 /km2. There were 138 housing units at an average density of 136.6 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 98.12% White and 1.88% Black or African American.

There were 124 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $39,688. Males had a median income of $28,571 versus $20,938 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,729. About 10.8% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within the DeWitt School District, which operates DeWitt High School.

Transportation
Almyra Municipal Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport located three nautical miles (6 km) west of the central business district of Almyra.

title: Almyra, Arkansas