By Jean Cross

Probably the most historic area in Prescott is along Granite Creek. It was this source of water which determined the location of Arizona's territorial capital in 1864. Prior to that, miners found the creek to be a source of their quest for gold. Later Robert Groom surveyed the town and established the town square on the east bank of the creek while the Governor's mansion occupied the west bank. Whiskey Row with its restaurants and saloons grew up along side of the plaza providing refreshment and entertainment to miners, cowboys and residents of the growing town. Other types of entertainment and services were provided by the people who lived 'behind the Row'.

By Mick Woodcock

If you had mentioned the name Head in Arizona before 1890, you would have been speaking of a family of two bothers that were influential in the development of the territory. Both were businessmen and politicians from Yavapai County, vitally involved in the growth and prosperity of Arizona. C. P. and William S. Head were men who cast their lot in a new land and found prosperity and a measure of notoriety with it.

By Claudette Simpson

The evening arrived, Wednesday, October 13, 1909, when President Taft's train was scheduled to stop in Prescott. Seven thousand people and one thousand children lined the gaily-decorated Cortez Street. A crowd gathered around the Santa Fe depot anxious to catch the first glimpse of the Chief Executive. At 5:38 p.m. a shout went up, "Here he comes."

By Claudette Simpson

It is interesting to thumb through old newspapers, noting the time that this town "rose to the occasion."  There were many such times, but one stands out head and shoulders above the rest. It was an occasion that united the people of Prescott and Yavapai County into one voice, one purpose, one ideal.  It was the time that the President of the United States came to town. The date was Wednesday, October 13, 1909. The President was William Howard Taft.

By Marguerite Madison Aronowitz

The American Civil War took place in the years 1861 to 1865. The City of Prescott officially began as Camp Whipple in 1863. These were turbulent times in United States history, and the Arizona Territory figured prominently in military operations in the West, especially regarding the United States of America (U.S.A.) and the Confederate States of America (C.S.A.).

By Ryan Flahive

On The 8th of July 1889, the most infamous boxing bout of the bare-knuckle age took place in Richburg, Mississippi in front of 3,000 eager spectators. Fighting under the London Rules (bare-knuckles) of boxing, John L. Sullivan and John "Jake" Kilrain entered the ring to fight one of the bloodiest and longest fights in boxing history.

By Parker Anderson

It is well known that Northern Arizona, including Prescott, had a very large population of Chinese residents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, since then, that community has all but disappeared from this area. The local Chinese have become the stuff of legend, often talked about but little documented.

By Ann Hibner Koblitz 

On March 18, 2005, the Sharlot Hall Museum will be opening a fascinating exhibit showing the results of the archaeological dig undertaken during the construction of the new parking structure on Granite Street. Entitled "Outcasts," the exhibit focuses on two communities in Prescott in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: Chinese immigrants and prostitutes. At the time, both groups were "outcasts," and, under most circumstances, upstanding citizens of Prescott did not consider them "respectable."

By Ryan Flahive

On Sunday, March 24 of the year 1918, a funeral was held at A.M.E. Zion Church. All of Prescott's civic orders were represented either by body or by individual members; the Welfare Committee of the Chamber of Commerce donated a six by three foot floral arrangement in the shape of an American flag; the church was filled to capacity with citizens offering their respects to friends and family. This funeral was for William King, the first Yavapai County soldier to die in service in the Great War, and one of only eleven African-Americans from Yavapai County drafted into service.

By Parker Anderson

The famed and admired Elks Opera House in Prescott marks its 100th anniversary today. Many long-term Prescottonians have fond memories of movies and events in the auditorium, and it has played an important role in local entertainment throughout its history. Those familiar with its history know that it has been rocky at times, but the Elks Theater has proven itself to be a survivor, and it is still with us when many other theater of its age around the country have long closed their doors and/or met with the wrecking ball.