Flagstaff, Arizona – City of Seven Wonders
Nestled in the high country of northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona, stands as a vibrant hub of history, culture, and natural splendor. As the county seat of Coconino County, it welcomes approximately 70,000 residents and countless visitors each year. Positioned along the historic Route 66, this city offers a captivating blend of small-town charm and access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. But perhaps, Flagstaff, Arizona, is best known by its evocative moniker: "The City of Seven Wonders."
This well-earned title speaks to the remarkable concentration of natural wonders that lie within easy reach of the city. Encircled by the sprawling Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff, Arizona, serves as a gateway to an astonishing array of geological marvels and diverse ecosystems. From the profound depths of the Grand Canyon to the lush riparian environment of Oak Creek Canyon, the ancient dwellings of Walnut Canyon to the volcanic landscapes of Sunset Crater, and the ancestral Puebloan ruins of Wupatki National Monument to the towering majesty of the San Francisco Peaks, the region surrounding Flagstaff, Arizona is a testament to the power and beauty of the natural world.
The story of Flagstaff, Arizona, begins long before its official founding. The area was long inhabited by indigenous peoples who thrived in the region’s diverse environment. These early inhabitants left behind a rich legacy of cultural sites, including the well-preserved cliff dwellings of Walnut Canyon and the ancestral Puebloan settlements of Wupatki. These sites offer invaluable insights into the history and resilience of the people who once called this land home.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 19th century marked a new chapter in Flagstaff’s history. The first recorded settlement began in 1871 when Edward Whipple established a saloon near a reliable spring, offering respite to travelers along the old wagon road to California. Five years later, F.F. McMillen settled north of what is now Flagstaff, drawn by the abundance of water, game, and timber resources. As word spread, more settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of opportunities in lumbering, cattle ranching, and sheep ranching.
The origin of the name "Flagstaff" is steeped in local lore, with several variations of the same narrative. All accounts center around a tall pine tree that was stripped of its branches and fashioned into a makeshift flagpole. The spring and the nascent settlement went through several names, including Antelope Spring, before settling on Flagstaff. The arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later the Santa Fe) in 1882 proved to be a transformative event. The original settlement, known as Old Town, was located some distance from the new railroad depot. However, the lure of the railroad and its economic potential led to a rapid relocation of businesses and residents closer to the depot. Within a short time, Old Town was largely abandoned, and the newly established post office near the depot adopted the name Flagstaff, cementing its place on the map.
With the arrival of the railroad, Flagstaff experienced a surge in economic activity. The lumber industry boomed, fueled by the vast forests surrounding the town. Cattle ranching also flourished, as ranchers found a convenient way to transport their livestock to market. The community’s growth was further bolstered by the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals like the Riordan brothers – Michael, Tim, and Denis – who established the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. Although Denis eventually moved to California, Michael and Tim remained in Flagstaff, becoming influential figures in the community’s development. They played a crucial role in bringing electricity to Flagstaff and constructing nearby Lake Mary, a vital water source for the growing town.
In 1891, the Arizona Territorial Assembly established Coconino County, further solidifying Flagstaff’s importance in the region. A subsequent election determined that Flagstaff would serve as the permanent county seat, surpassing its rival, Williams. As Flagstaff grew, so did its awareness of its natural and historical assets. Michael Riordan, in particular, became deeply interested in the nearby Indian ruins located in Walnut Canyon. Recognizing the increasing threat of looting and destruction, the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the mutilation of these invaluable cliff dwellings. While initial efforts to protect the ruins were limited, they eventually became part of the San Francisco Mountain Forest Preserve in 1904, marking a significant step towards their preservation.
The establishment of the University of Northern Arizona in 1899 further elevated Flagstaff’s status as a cultural and intellectual center. The university quickly became a cornerstone of the community, attracting students and faculty from across the region and beyond. By the early 20th century, Flagstaff’s reputation as the "City of Seven Wonders" had spread far and wide, and tourism became a major industry. The city continued to grow at a steady pace, balancing economic development with the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.
Another pivotal figure in Flagstaff’s early development was John Weatherford, who built the iconic Hotel Weatherford. Opened on January 1, 1900, the hotel quickly became a landmark, welcoming presidents, Wild West figures, and countless travelers. Today, the Hotel Weatherford continues to operate after extensive restoration, offering guests a glimpse into Flagstaff’s rich history. Weatherford also contributed to the city’s cultural scene by opening the Majestic Opera House in 1911, which introduced Flagstaff residents to the magic of the movies. Although the Majestic Opera House was destroyed by a heavy snowfall in 1915, Weatherford rebuilt an even grander theater, The Orpheum, which opened in 1917 and remains a beloved Flagstaff landmark to this day.
The arrival of Route 66 further transformed Flagstaff, turning it into a bustling stop along the iconic "Mother Road." Motor courts, auto services, and diners sprang up along the highway, catering to the growing stream of tourists. Today, Flagstaff still retains much of its vintage Route 66 charm, with several historic motels and cafes continuing to operate along the city’s downtown district. These establishments offer a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of American road travel.
One of the most iconic Route 66 attractions in Flagstaff is the Museum Club, a "must-see" destination for visitors and locals alike. Originally built in 1931 by Dean Eldredge, a taxidermist, the building housed his extensive collection of stuffed animals, rifles, and Indian artifacts. In 1936, Doc Williams, a Flagstaff saddle maker, purchased the building and transformed it into a nightclub. Today, the Museum Club continues to operate as a popular entertainment venue, offering live country-western music and a lively atmosphere. The Museum Club is also rumored to be haunted by two resident "spirits," adding to its mystique and allure.
Today, Flagstaff is a thriving city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern amenities and attractions. Its location at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, at the intersection of U.S. Interstate 40 and U.S. Interstate 17, makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region. Coconino County, the largest county in Arizona and the second-largest in the United States, encompasses a vast and diverse landscape, including the Arizona Snow Bowl ski resort, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert, and Oak Creek Canyon. Flagstaff serves as a gateway to numerous national parks and monuments, including Sunset Crater National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Grand Canyon National Park, and Petrified Forest National Park.
Flagstaff is also home to several important scientific and cultural institutions, including the U.S. Naval Observatory, the Lowell Observatory, and the Museum of Northern Arizona. The Lowell Observatory, in particular, is renowned for its role in the discovery of Pluto. The Museum of Northern Arizona is one of the premier archaeological museums in the world, specializing in the prehistory of the American Southwest. The story of Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of resilience, adaptation, and appreciation for the natural world. From its humble beginnings as a small settlement along a wagon road to its current status as a vibrant city and a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States, Flagstaff continues to captivate and inspire all who visit.