About Prescott:

From the beginning of time Prescott, Arizona has captured the hearts of anyone who visits here.  Whatever the reasons are for coming to Prescott, once people come they do not want to leave.

Prescott is a great place to live.  Years ago Prescott was recognized in the National Geographic Magazine as one the best climates in the world to live.  We have all the seasons but in moderation.  We have gorgeous scenery that changes in every direction you go, from ponderosa pine forests to huge mountains of  boulders in Granite Dells, to vast open range land with oak trees and juniper trees, and to grass covered prairies.

Prescott comes under many names.  We are called "Everybody's Hometown" and even "Mayberry USA". This comes from the friendly people and the relaxed life style.  The historic Yavapai County Court House is the center piece of downtown.  Numerous activities are hosted all year long on the Court House Square.  Almost every week day during the summer you will find people carrying their lawn chairs to the Court House to enjoy music, dancing, outdoor movies, etc.  We are also known as Arizona's "Christmas City".  The Court House and the huge trees around it, glow with million's of lights.  The surrounding merchants participate by lighting and decorating their businesses.  There is Christmas entertainment from Thanksgiving weekend thru mid January.

Western heritage is very much alive and well and carries a very important role in this area.  Prescott originated as a mining town, and has a very colorful historical back ground.  The names of our streets are indicative of this, such names as Whiskey Row, which is still the location of several of the original bars dating back to the 1800's and Gurley Street, the main street thru Prescott.  The biggest event of the year is our celebration of the 4th of July, which includes the Prescott Frontier Days "World's Oldest Rodeo."

There is culture and arts, lots of festivities, great schools for the children from preschool thru college.  We are proud to say we have the highly recognized Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus.  This is the world's oldest largest and most prestigious university, specializing in aviation and aerospace and only accredited aviation orientated university in the world. In addition, Prescott has other colleges: Prescott College, Yavapai College, North Central University, as well as extension of Northern Arizona University.  We have great medical facilities, a V.A. Hospital, many churches to choose from, etc. You can enjoy the outdoors year around.  There are five lakes, numerous hiking trails, mountain climbing, hunting, fishing, golfing, professional hockey and indoor football teams, casino's, two hours from Prescott is the Snow Bowl for skiing, and numerous other activities. I want to warn you; once you visit us you will not forget us and will want to come back. 

Location:

Prescott is located in Arizona's central mountains; four mild seansoffer just enough variation to make the weather both moderate and interesting. Prescott is located 96 miles northwest of Phoenix and 90 miles southwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. The city was established in 1864, incorporated in 1881 and is the seat of governmnet for Yavapai county. The city is names in honor of noted historian William Hickling Prescott.

Climate

Mile-high Prescott has an ideal four-season climate, with elevation and mountain breezes keeping summer temperatures from reaching the high levels of the Phoenix desert. Temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees, and most days are filled with sunshine. Humidity is a moderate 45% year-round. July marks Prescott's ,monsoon season with cool afternoon thunderstorms.

History

The discovery of gold in 1861 brought national attention to whatlater became the territory of Arizona. These discoveries drew the attention of President Abraham Lincoln who was looking for possible sources of funding for the North during the Civil War. Arizona became a Territory February 24, 1863. John Goodwin, was the first Territorial Governor, established Prescott as the first Territorial Capital.

Prescott developed rapidy, and in 1865 it was described as being built exclusively of wood and in habited almost entirely by Americans. Both of these facts made it unique among early communities. Prescott lost its title as the Capital of Arizona to Tucson and finally to Phoenix in 1889. In 1900, a devasting fire burned a large portion of downtown Prescott to the ground. Many of the buildings you see today were rebuilt following the fire. Today, many of Prescott's residential streets are lined with tall trees and pitched-roof frame houses, including turreted Victorians. Prescott has over 700 homes and businesses listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its granite courthouse set among green lawns and spreading trees reflects the Mid westwen and New England background of Prescott's early pioneers, thus coining the phrase, "Everybody's Hometown."