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Prescott, Arizona

Arizona's original territorial capital, Prescott sits at a mile-high elevation in the cool pine forests of the Bradshaw Mountains — a world apart from the desert cities below. Its famous Whiskey Row saloon district, the world's oldest rodeo (since 1888), and the iconic Yavapai County Courthouse plaza define this Western heritage city.

Founded 1864 | Population 48,168 | Peak 48,168 (2024) | County Yavapai County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Prescott, Arizona

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1864 Territorial Capital: Prescott became the capital of the new Arizona Territory, chosen for its Union sympathies and gold deposits.

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1888 World's Oldest Rodeo: Prescott hosted what is recognized as the world's oldest rodeo, still held annually on July Fourth.

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1900 Whiskey Row Fire: A devastating fire destroyed much of Whiskey Row, the famous block of saloons. Legend says patrons saved the ornate Brunswick bar by carrying it across the plaza.

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1927 Phippen Museum: Prescott's Western art heritage grew, eventually leading to the Phippen Museum celebrating Western art and culture.

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2013 Yarnell Hill Fire: The Yarnell Hill wildfire killed 19 members of the elite Granite Mountain Hotshots, the deadliest U.S. firefighter loss since 9/11.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1864 Government

Territorial Capital

1888 Culture

World's Oldest Rodeo

1900 Disaster

Whiskey Row Fire

1927 Culture

Phippen Museum

2013 Disaster

Yarnell Hill Fire

Did You Know?

1

First territorial capital of Arizona (1864).

2

19 Granite Mountain Hotshots died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013.

3

Pronounced 'PRESS-kit,' not 'Pre-SCOTT.'.

4

Prescott is located in Yavapai County, Arizona.

5

Prescott has a population of approximately 48,168.

Famous People from Prescott, Arizona

HS

Holly Sampson

Pornographic Actor, Erotic Photography Model · Born Sep 4, 1973 · Age 52

JM

Jay Miner

Businessperson, Integrated Circuit · Born May 31, 1932 · Died Jun 20, 1994 (age 62)

KM

Kayla Mueller

Humanitarian · Born Aug 14, 1988 · Died Feb 6, 2015 (age 26)

RD

Rosemary DeCamp

Actor, Television Actor · Born Nov 14, 1910 · Died Feb 20, 2001 (age 90)

PS

Paul Silas

Basketball Player, Basketball Coach · Born Jul 12, 1943 · Died Dec 10, 2022 (age 79)

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