1884Government
Payson boasts a lively festival calendar, including The World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo established in 1884, as well as the Arizona State Old Time Fiddlin' Championship, which c...
1888Military
Prescott, Arizona, 100 miles to the northwest, is known for hosting the "World's Oldest Rodeo" (1888), but it took a hiatus during World War II.
1918History
In 1918, author Zane Grey made his first trip to the area surrounding Payson.
1929History
He would visit with regularity through 1929, and he purchased two plots of land near Tonto Creek, including 120 acres (49 ha) from Sampson Elam Boles under Myrtle Point.
1947History
The legend came to local prominence in 1947 when a "big, hairy beast" raided a Boy Scout camp near Tonto Creek.
1958Architecture
Throughout the 1950s, work progressed on a paved road from Phoenix to Payson, and the road was completed in 1958.
1967History
In December 1967, Payson experienced a record-breaking snowfall, with more than 6 feet (1.8 m) of snow falling over eight days.
1973Government
Payson was officially incorporated in 1973.
2014History
== References ==
== External links ==
Town of Payson official website Archived September 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
Payson Roundup, local newspaper
Payson visitors' site...
2017Disaster
=== Ellison Creek and East Verde River flooding ===
On July 15, 2017, heavy rains from upstream of the creek and river caused the waterways to swell, subsequently leading to do...
2021History
In 2021, officers responded to more than 16,000 calls for service.
2022Education
As of 2022, the department is authorized to staff 32 sworn officers which includes the chief, lieutenant, five sergeants, four detectives, two school resource officers, two spec...