The Zaniest Railroad Accident in Prescott History

It seemed a normal July day in 1888 Prescott, but soon a ridiculous, domino-effect of events would cause the most bizarre railroad accident in the city’s history.

The Old Courthouse Became a Living Wreck

Note: This was originally written as a "Days Past" article in June 2018. However, since the Sharlot Hall Museum website was hacked, it's been unavailable to read. Therefore, it is republished here. 

UPDATE: A week after this post was published, the author received word that the situation had been remedied. However, this article posting is being retained because it includes the sources used. The address for the original article is this: the-old-courthouse-became-a-living-wreck

As Yavapai County grew at the turn of the last century, the Old Courthouse had become too small. For $6000, an addition was constructed, but the old building never had the structural integrity to support it. 

Wily, Creative Prohibition Stills

For Arizona, prohibition came early in 1915. Although stills were probably put to work almost immediately, law enforcement did not seize many for the first 4 years of enforcement. Then, starting in 1919, a crackdown on the illegal practice revealed just how wily and creative many of the bootleggers had become.

The Craziest Dynamite Stories in Yavapai County History

To be precise, these are the craziest stories that did not involve criminal intent. Those deserve telling on their own.

Mail-Order Brides of Yesteryear

Perhaps it was because their hearts were extra-lonely. Perhaps it was because they were caught up in the romance of Western novels. Perhaps it was both. But some women were determined to find themselves a rugged, handsome, Western man.

Cowboy Escapades #2: Autos on the Range

When automobiles were new inventions, it was inevitable that at least some cowboys would decide to try to replace their horses with cars in cow-punching chores.

Indeed, at least twice it was suggested to start using autos in traditional events during the Frontier Days rodeo!

The Zany Prostitution Sting at the Depot House

By 1918, Prescott was keen to clean up the city's reputation in regards to prostitution. Fines were increased from a simple slap on the wrist to truly punitive amounts.

The red-light district on Granite Street was closed down, and prostitution stings were begun at other locations, including the Depot House. However, on the night of August 4th, the sensitivities of the Chief of Police would be put to the test and, in the end, Cupid would have his way.

Cowboy Escapades #1

In this premier edition of Cowboy Escapades (formerly titled "Crazy Cowboy Tricks,) we look at true stories of bear roping and buffalo riding!

The Whacky 1910 Prescott to Phoenix Automobile Race

They were racing for the premier awarding of the Arizona Gazette Cup in a contest organized by the Prescott Auto Club.

Nineteen cars would attempt the trip.  When it was all over, only one was able to drive back to Prescott. (*1)

Horses, Autos & Primitive Traffic Laws

The teen years of the 20th century brought an awkward adolescence when it came to street traffic.  Animals and autos didn't mix well on the same path.  Car clubs suggested rules that were eventually adopted nationwide.  Yet when it came to issues specific to individual towns, some of these primitive traffic laws are sure to bring a smile to today's reader.

In Prescott, the major issue was the interaction of mechanical automobiles and beasts of burden (mostly horses and mules).  Traffic was becoming crowded and dangerous for everyone.  And as far as Prescott was concerned, it was the animals that should take all priority.