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Prescott began as a mining town with the discovery of gold. In 1864 Arizona became a territory and Prescott was selected to be the capital. It held the title until 1889 when Tucson was awarded the distinction. Although the designation of State Capital now belongs to Phoenix, Prescott is still the seat of government for Yavapai County, and a gateway to much of the state.
 Historic Sights - The past is present today:
Many of the old buildings such as the Yavapai County Courthouse, the Palace –Arizona’s oldest restaurant and saloon, and the first Territorial Governor’s Mansion have been preserved with great care. Beautifully restored Victorian homes with carefully manicured lawns line quiet, shaded streets, and are among the more than 500 buildings on the National Historic Register. Prescott’s rich past can be explored today along historic Whiskey Row. Once home to over 26 saloons, much of it has been transformed into a thriving shopping district.
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Area back roads provide a nostalgic trip back in time. Prescott to Sedona via Highway 89-A has been voted by Fodor’s, as one of America’s most scenic drives. On the way you will pass through the historic mining town of Jerome, known for it's own ghost stories, the turnoff to Montezuma’s Well, and the Tuzigoot National Monument.
 Along Hwy. 89, heading toward Chino Valley, you will also see some other historic and interesting sites such as Del Rio Springs, the first site of Ft. Whipple. Sullivan Lake just off of old Highway 89 is the site of the dam built in 1938 to keep back the Chino Wash.
If you like off-road adventures, visit Limestone Canyone of Highway 89 near milepost 344, or Cedar Glades Cemetary, which is all that ramains of the community of Puntenney.
Drake, Arizona is another historic stop off Highway 89 on Perkinsville Road. This was a major stop for the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad. Also along Perkinsville Road is Jerome Junction, where the railroad would stop to transfer its load of copper. You'll also find other interesting sites along Prescott's back roads such as abandoned mining sites and historic ranches. |
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The Palace Bar first opened its doors in September 1877. Although Whiskey Row was known for its many saloons, The Palace was much more than a fancy "watering hole". Men came in to check for notices of work available; it served as an election central for several area political races and cattle spreads; and mineral claims were bought and sold over the bar. The Palace is still the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona and the most well-known and historic restaurant and saloon in the state.
In the late 1870's, Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp and Doc Holliday were patrons of The Palace. Virgil and his wife Allie lived in Prescott where Virgil owned a saw mill at Thumb Butte and was Town Constable. Wyatt and his other brother, Morgan, visited Virgil in Prescott before they left for Tombstone. Doc was on a winning streak on Whiskey Row (possibly at The Palace) where he won $10,000 in Poker. He joined the Earp's eight months later in Tombstone.
On July 14th, 1900, The Palace was destroyed by the Whiskey Row fire. The ornately carved 1880's Brunswick Bar, which is still in use, was carried to safety across the street to the plaza by patrons. In order to rebuild, the owner Bob Brow formed a partnership with Ben M. Belcher and Barney Smith, owners of the former Cabinet Saloon, also destroyed in the fire. By 1901, The Palace Hotel and Bar, complete with Chinese restaurant and barber shop, was back in business. Today's Palace owners have done extensive remodeling to restore the Palace to its grandeur of 1901. Although still a frontier saloon, the addition of dining makes The Palace the gathering place it once was.
Did you know:
- Doc Holliday’s girlfriend, Big Nose Kate, died in Prescott in 1940, at the age of 90 and is buried here.
- Barry Goldwater was once quoted as saying, "My only regret is that I didn't buy The Palace when I had a chance."
- After the Whiskey Row fire it cost $50,000 to rebuild The Palace.
- The Ruffner Funeral Home was won in a poker game at The Palace.
- Little Egypt, the famous belly dancer, danced at The Palace in 1910.
- The movie Junior Bonner, starring Steve McQueen was filmed at The Palace in 1971.
- Billy Jack, starring Tom Laughlin, had a scene filmed at The Palace in 1971.
- The movie, Wanda Nevada, starring Peter Fonda and Brook Shields, shot scenes at The Palace.
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Galivanting ghosts aren't just limited to Halloween. Prescott has a few special haunted places that chill the spine and curl the hair year 'round. If you want to add an extra thrill to your stay, reserve a room at a local lodging establishment and dine around town. If you dare!
- The Hotel Vendome reports that the ghost of Abbey and her pet cat roam the halls and scratch on doors.
- The Prescott Fine Arts Gallery and Performance Hall used to be the Sacred Heart Church. Father Michael, who was buried beneath the altar, haunts the building. When the building was remodeled the grave was exhumed, but no body was found!
- Shortly after the Hassayampa Inn opened in 1927, a honeymoon pair checked in. The husband left to “go out for a pack of cigarettes.” After several days, when he didn’t return, his new bride Faith hung herself. Her presence is reputed to still haunt the Hotel.
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