What is the Flagstaff Historical Monument?
This is where Flagstaff, Arizona’s namesake first went up in 1876!
What Makes Them Historical?
In 1873, Samuel Woodworth Cozzens published a book called Marvelous Country: Or, Three Years in Arizona and New Mexico, the Apaches’ Home, and he promoted the wonders of northern Arizona all across New England. Though it turned out that he’d never actually visited Northern Arizona, the tale captured the imagination of two groups in Boston, who journeyed into the west in search of the supposed fertile farmland, healthy climate, and mineral wealth. They found none of that! In fact, the area they planned to settle, near Winslow, was already settled by Mormons, so they had to move on.
Expecting that they’d be in Arizona for the Fourth of July, the second Boston party brought a flag along, and while camped on the sheep ranch of Thomas McMillan, they cut down a ponderosa pine, trimmed the branches, and set up this first flag staff to celebrate July 4, 1876! Their flag staff became a landmark for other westbound parties, guiding the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and by 1881, this budding town was officially named Flagstaff!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with the Northern Arizona Pioneers’ Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
1642-1778 N Thorpe Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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