The Yavapai People's Ancient Flood Story

Most cultures have ancient stories of their beginnings. The Yavapai people are no exception. Their story is recorded in "Oral History of the Yavapai", chapter 19.

Those who are familiar with the flood of Noah in the Book of Genesis will be intrigued by the commonalities with the Yavapai's flood story.

However, the Yavapai's "Genesis" story includes two floods: one that brought them up out of Ahagaskiaywa, and a second, the Great Flood...

23-Ton Blast Shakes Yavapai County

United Verde Mine, Jerome, Arizona

December 20th, 1925, seemed a day like any other. People were busy getting into the Christmas spirit, making final preparations.

A train, about an eighth of a mile outside of Jerome, AZ, was taking on water when one of the train's engineers noticed some smoke rising at the United Verde Mine. When he looked more closely, he noticed that the roof of the powder house was on fire!

Quickly, he climbed into the train's engine compartment and pulled on the whistle for all it was worth.

Shortly, people in the town of Jerome started coming onto the street, curious as to what the fuss was about. They, too, noticed the mine's powder house roof on fire.

Everyone realized that in a matter of a few short minutes, 23-tons of TNT would explode violently.

I Survived an Apache Attack!

Apache warrior

Howdy. My name is Fred Henry. I first entered the Arizona Territory way back in 1862, and I came to the Prescott country early on, in 1863, to prospect.

Now I know some of you tenderfoots dream about meeting a real-life Indian out in the wilderness, but I'm here to tell you that if that injun is an Apache, you'd be better off tripping over an angry bear! (Truth is, you're probably never going to see an Apache, unless that Apache wants to be seen.)

I give you fair warning: This tale ain't for youngins or the faint of heart. But if you think you have the nerve enough to listen, then find a place by the campfire and I'll tell you all about it.

Colony of Russians Arrives to Farm *UPDATED*

No one knows exactly why they came in early 1916. It was assumed that they were avoiding one of many purges in soviet Russia. (*1) But on January 12th, fourteen railroad cars carrying over 100 Russian colonists and their possessions arrived at Jerome Junction, southeast of present-day Chino Valley. They brought with them 151 cattle, 103 horses, chickens, geese, and all their household furniture and goods. (*2), (*3) & (*4)

In order to promote the area for farming, an enthusiastic pamphlet had been published.  It praised “Little Chino Valley” as “the only adequately irrigated body of rich, productive land in this great producing mining district of Arizona,” having the “perfect soil for potatoes” and “perfect conditions for dairying.” (*5) These promises undoubtedly brought the Russians to the area in the first place.

Their journey to this point was long and hard, and there would be further challenges ahead. But the people of Prescott were excited to see these new immigrants and welcomed them openly.

When Nature Was the Only Drug Store (Updated)

During the 19th century, every region of the country had its own home-spun remedies that depended on that area's herbage. Today, these so-called "cures" seem to span between the humorous and the ridiculous.

This article, based on oral histories, focuses on the treatments that were unique to Arizona.

Lost History: Yavapai County Courthouse: The Construction

After the cornerstone was laid, (story here,) construction started immediately.

Under the contract, the courthouse was supposed to be finished by the end of 1917.  Even though the builders stated that it would be finished "long before that time," it was not completed until 1918. (*1)