Florence, Arizona

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Florence, Arizona
Town
Main Street of the original town-site of Florence. The town-site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 26, 1982, reference #82001623.
Main Street of the original town-site of Florence. The town-site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 26, 1982, reference #82001623.
Location in Pinal County and the state of Arizona
Location in Pinal County and the state of Arizona
Florence, Arizona is located in USA
Florence, Arizona
Florence, Arizona
Location in the United States
Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Country United States
State Arizona
County Pinal
Government
 • Mayor Tom Rankin
Area
 • Total 8.3 sq mi (21.5 km2)
 • Land 8.3 sq mi (21.5 km2)
 • Water 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation 1,490 ft (454 m)
Population (2010)[1]
 • Total 25,536
 • Estimate (2014)[2] 26,912
 • Density 2,054.6/sq mi (793.2/km2)
Time zone MST (no DST) (UTC-7)
ZIP codes 85132, 85128, 85179
Area code(s) 520
FIPS code 04-23760
Website http://www.florenceaz.gov/

Florence (O'odham: S-auppag) is a town, sixty-one miles southeast of Phoenix, in the Pinal County of Arizona, United States.[3] Florence, which is the county seat of Pinal County, is one of the oldest towns in that county and is regarded as a National Historic District with over 25 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The population of Florence was 25,536 at the 2010 census.

History

The area where the current town of Florence is located was once inhabited by the members of the Athabascans, ancestors of the San Carlos Apache tribe.[4] Prior to the establishment of the town, the Gila River served as a part of the border between the United States and Mexico. In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase extended American territory well south of the Gila.[5]

Levi Ruggles, a veteran of the American Civil War founded the town of Florence, on the southern boundary of the Gila River. He came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of the valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite there. With the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office in August of the same year. Ruggles held numerous public offices including that of Territorial Legislator. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.[6] Florence became the government seat of Pinal County Courthouse in the newly formed Pinal County and silver was discovered at the Silver King Mine in 1875.[7]

In 1870, Fred Adams founded a farming community 2 miles west from the Florence original town-site. The farming town had stores, homes a post office, a flour mill and water tanks, It was named Adamsville. In the 1900s (decade), the Gila River overflowed after a storm and ran over the banks. Most of the small town was wiped out and the residents moved to Florence. The area where the town was established is now called a Ghost town and is within the boundaries of Florence. On the junction of Highway 79 and 287. there is a historical marker telling about Adamsville.[8]

A canal was built in the 1880s which enabled water from the Gila River to be diverted for irrigation. Farming and ranching again played a major role in Florence’s economy. All of the federal land transactions for Southern Arizona were conducted in Florence until 1881, when the Federal Land Office was moved to Tucson. In 1875, silver was discovered in the nearby mountain and the mine established there was called the Silver King Mine.[7]

One of the most notable gunfights in the old American southwest occurred in Florence. Sheriff Pete Gabriel hired thirty nine year old Joseph Phy as his deputy in 1883. Gabriel decided to not run for sheriff in 1886 and supported his deputy Joseph (Joe) Phy for the job. Later Gabriel withdraw his support because of personal differences with Phy. The two friends became bitter enemies and had a confrontation on May 31, 1888 in the Tunnel Saloon. A gunfight ensued and spread to the street. Both men received gun wounds. Phy died a few hours after the fight and Gabriel 10 died years later.[9]

The Arizona State Prison moved to Florence in 1908 replacing the Territorial Prison in Yuma.[7] The Second Pinal County Courthouse was built in 1891. It was the site where the trials of three notorious women were presented. They were Pearl Heart, Eva Dugan and Winnie Ruth Judd, known as the "Trunk Murderess". Pearl Heart (birth surname: Hart) was an outlaw of the American Old West. She committed one of the last recorded stagecoach robberies in the United States; her crime gained notoriety primarily because of her gender. She was tried in 1899 and was acquitted, however the judge ordered a second trial and she was found guilty and sentenced to five years of prison.[10] In the 1930s Eva Dugan was convicted of murder. She was sentenced to be executed by hanging at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. Her hanging resulted in her decapitation and influenced the state of Arizona to replace hanging with the lethal gas chamber as a method of execution.[11] Winnie Ruth Judd was a Phoenix medical secretary who was found guilty of murdering and dismembering her friends Agnes Anne LeRoi and Hedvig Samuelson over the alleged affections of her lover Jack Halloran. The jury found her guilty of first-degree murder on February 8, 1932. An appeal was unsuccessful. Her trial was marked by sensationalized newspaper coverage and suspicious circumstances. Judd was sentenced to be hanged February 17, 1933, and sent to Arizona State Prison in Florence. The sentence she received raised debate about capital punishment.[12] The death sentence was overturned after a ten-day hearing found her mentally incompetent; she was then sent to Arizona State Asylum for the Insane on April 24, 1933.[13]

In 1940, cowboy-movie star Tom Mix was killed when he lost control of his speeding Cord Phaeton convertible and rolled into a dry wash (now called the Tom Mix Wash) in Florence, Arizona. Mix, who was a regular tenant in the Ross/ Fryer-Cushman House, was returning to Florence from Tucson. There is a 2-foot–tall iron statue of a riderless horse with a plaque on the site of the accident.[14]

Located just north of Florence during World War II was a large prisoner of war camp for German and Italian prisoners of war, mainly captured during the North Africa campaign.[15] Japanese Americans arrested as "enemy aliens" after the U.S. entered the war were also interned at the site.[16] The prisoners picked cotton in the camp and were paid 50 cents an hour. They were not allowed to buy cigarettes, however they could buy tobacco which they rolled in paper and smoked.[17] McFarland State Historic Park in Ruggles Ave. has a display and information on this period of Arizona history.

Geography and climate

Florence is located at Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. (33.042204, −111.384521).[18]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.3 square miles (21 km2), all land. The city has the typical hot desert climate of lowland Arizona, with brutal summers and warm winters.

Climate data for Florence, Arizona (1971 to 2000)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 89
(32)		 92
(33)		 99
(37)		 105
(41)		 115
(46)		 118
(48)		 119
(48)		 118
(48)		 117
(47)		 112
(44)		 97
(36)		 91
(33)		 119
(48)
Average high °F (°C) 66.3
(19.1)		 70.4
(21.3)		 74.5
(23.6)		 82.6
(28.1)		 91.2
(32.9)		 100.8
(38.2)		 102.4
(39.1)		 100.8
(38.2)		 96.8
(36)		 86.9
(30.5)		 74.3
(23.5)		 66.1
(18.9)		 84.42
(29.12)
Average low °F (°C) 38.3
(3.5)		 40.8
(4.9)		 44.3
(6.8)		 49.8
(9.9)		 58.3
(14.6)		 67.3
(19.6)		 75.5
(24.2)		 74.6
(23.7)		 68.5
(20.3)		 56.9
(13.8)		 44.3
(6.8)		 38.6
(3.7)		 54.77
(12.65)
Record low °F (°C) 11
(−12)		 18
(−8)		 20
(−7)		 23
(−5)		 32
(0)		 35
(2)		 54
(12)		 50
(10)		 41
(5)		 30
(−1)		 14
(−10)		 16
(−9)		 11
(−12)
Average rainfall inches (mm) 1.07
(27.2)		 1.06
(26.9)		 1.16
(29.5)		 0.41
(10.4)		 0.26
(6.6)		 0.17
(4.3)		 0.93
(23.6)		 1.22
(31)		 0.90
(22.9)		 0.90
(22.9)		 0.75
(19)		 1.22
(31)		 10.05
(255.3)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.01 inch) 4.7 4.5 4.2 1.9 1.5 0.7 3.5 4.8 2.7 2.9 2.7 3.4 37.5
Source: National Climatic Data Center[19]

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1880 902 —
1890 1,486 64.7%
1910 807 —
1920 1,161 43.9%
1930 1,318 13.5%
1940 1,383 4.9%
1950 1,776 28.4%
1960 2,143 20.7%
1970 2,173 1.4%
1980 3,391 56.1%
1990 7,510 121.5%
2000 17,054 127.1%
2010 25,536 49.7%
Est. 2014 26,912 [20] 5.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[21]
2014 Estimate[2]

As of the census[22] of 2000, there were 17,054 people, 2,226 households, and 1,540 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,056.2 people per square mile (794.3/km²). There were 3,216 housing units at an average density of 387.7 per square mile (149.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 57.12% White, 9.17% Black or African American, 4.42% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 26.79% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 35.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,226 households out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town the population was spread out with 7.6% under the age of 18, 14.8% from 18 to 24, 50.1% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 482.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 582.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,372, and the median income for a family was $41,959. Males had a median income of $25,545 versus $28,279 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,278. About 6.1% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure

Two Arizona Department of Corrections prisons are in Florence.[23] They are Arizona State Prison Complex – Eyman and Arizona State Prison Complex – Florence.[24][25] ASPC-Eyman includes the male death row, and ASPC-Florence includes the State of Arizona execution chamber.[26]

Developments

Florence is the location of the 2nd Anthem development in the state of Arizona being built by Pulte and Del Webb. It is located six miles to the northwest of downtown historic Florence. The oldest functioning Arizona State Prison complex, the Florence complex, is located in the town, and its preserved Main Street and open desert scenery was the setting of the major motion picture Murphy's Romance.

There are a total of 9 prisons from the county, state, federal and two private prisons. There are 3 state prisons located in Florence. Florence is considered the hub of Pinal County filled with historic buildings and rich history. Florence is home to the annual "Country Thunder" music festival.[27] Florence is also the site for the proposed Coyote Canyon theme park.[28]

Points of interest

Historic properties in Florence

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Main article: List of historic properties in Florence, Arizona

The following is a gallery of images of some of the historic structures in Florence, Arizona. They are either listed in the National Register of Historic Places or considered historical by the Florence Historic District Advisory Commission.

Historic Florence, Arizona
(National Register of Historic Places [29])
(Florence Historic District Advisory Commission.[30][31])
File:PostonButte.jpg
Poston Butte in Florence, Arizona with Poston's pyramidal tomb at the peak.
Main Street of the original town-site of Florence, Arizona. The town-site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 26, 1982, reference # 82001623.
Main Street of the original town-site of Florence, Arizona. The town-site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 26, 1982, reference # 82001623. 
The Ruins of Levi Ruggles House. The house was built in 1866 and the ruins are located in Ruggles St. between Quartz and Willow Streets. American Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles, the founder of Florence, came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of the valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite here. In 1869, he built his first family home. With the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office in August of the same year. Ruggles held numerous public offices including that of Territorial Legislator. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Ruins of Levi Ruggles House. The house was built in 1866 and the ruins are located in Ruggles St. between Quartz and Willow Streets. American Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles, the founder of Florence, came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of the valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite here. In 1869, he built his first family home. With the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office in August of the same year. Ruggles held numerous public offices including that of Territorial Legislator. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The E.N. Fish and Co. Store Building was built in 1867 and is located in 420 Quartz St. The mercantile firm of E.N. Fish & Co., with Joseph Collingwood as partner and local manager, opened Florence’s first store in this building in 1868. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The E.N. Fish and Co. Store Building was built in 1867 and is located in 420 Quartz St. The mercantile firm of E.N. Fish & Co., with Joseph Collingwood as partner and local manager, opened Florence’s first store in this building in 1868. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Chapel of the Gila was built in 1870 and is located in 306 E. 8th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Chapel of the Gila was built in 1870 and is located in 306 E. 8th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Granville Wheat Outback House was built in 1871 and is located in 125 Ruggles St. (next to the George Brown house). Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Granville Wheat Outback House was built in 1871 and is located in 125 Ruggles St. (next to the George Brown house). Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Elena Llescas House was built in 1872 and is located in 175 Bailey St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Elena Llescas House was built in 1872 and is located in 175 Bailey St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Second E.N. Fish and Co. Building was built in 1874 and is located in 520 Main St. The second site of the E.N. Fish & Co. Mercantile Store became the Joseph Collingwood & Co. Store and Wells Fargo Office in 1877. As chief produce buyer, E.N. Fish & Co. was responsible for providing the economic foundation of the town’s early success as an agricultural trading center. The firm played a role during Florence’s mining booms by extending credit to the Silver King Mine. The west wing contained hotel rooms and an office. A saloon and dining room were in the south wing. From early statehood until the mid-1940s, the west wing contained dwellings and became the American Legion Post headquarters in 1944. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Second E.N. Fish and Co. Building was built in 1874 and is located in 520 Main St. The second site of the E.N. Fish & Co. Mercantile Store became the Joseph Collingwood & Co. Store and Wells Fargo Office in 1877. As chief produce buyer, E.N. Fish & Co. was responsible for providing the economic foundation of the town’s early success as an agricultural trading center. The firm played a role during Florence’s mining booms by extending credit to the Silver King Mine. The west wing contained hotel rooms and an office. A saloon and dining room were in the south wing. From early statehood until the mid-1940s, the west wing contained dwellings and became the American Legion Post headquarters in 1944. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Charles Rapp Saloon Building was built in 1875 and is located in 361 Main St. Chicago-born Charles Rapp advertised the building as featuring an "Elegant Club & Reading Room in Connection with the Bar." The building was the first location of John Keating’s famous "Tunnel Saloon" from 1886 to 1888. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Charles Rapp Saloon Building was built in 1875 and is located in 361 Main St. Chicago-born Charles Rapp advertised the building as featuring an "Elegant Club & Reading Room in Connection with the Bar." The building was the first location of John Keating’s famous "Tunnel Saloon" from 1886 to 1888. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Jesus Martinez House was built in 1875 and is located in 321 Bailey St. In 1886, Pinal County converted part of the building into the first County Hospital. It had six beds. Each had a horsehair mattress and a wool blanket. By 1890, the house was used as a meat market, store and residences. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Jesus Martinez House was built in 1875 and is located in 321 Bailey St. In 1886, Pinal County converted part of the building into the first County Hospital. It had six beds. Each had a horsehair mattress and a wool blanket. By 1890, the house was used as a meat market, store and residences. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Silver King Hotel was built in 1876 and is located in 24 W. 6th St. The building was an L-shaped adobe building with a gable roof and walls that were not plastered. The hotel was built for William Long, a partner in the Silver King Mine. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Silver King Hotel was built in 1876 and is located in 24 W. 6th St. The building was an L-shaped adobe building with a gable roof and walls that were not plastered. The hotel was built for William Long, a partner in the Silver King Mine. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
Different view of the Silver King Hotel which was built in 1876 and which is located in 24 W. 6th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
Different view of the Silver King Hotel which was built in 1876 and which is located in 24 W. 6th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The First Pinal County Courthouse was built in 1876 and is located in W. 24 Ruggle St. Levi Ruggles designed and built this adobe building in 1878. The local "Vigilance Committee" stormed the sheriff’s office in this building in 1888, dragged two men from their cells and hanged them in the corridor of the jail. It served as a courthouse. Since then, it has functioned as a hospital, health center, home for the elderly and a museum. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974, reference #74000461.
The First Pinal County Courthouse was built in 1876 and is located in W. 24 Ruggle St. Levi Ruggles designed and built this adobe building in 1878. The local "Vigilance Committee" stormed the sheriff’s office in this building in 1888, dragged two men from their cells and hanged them in the corridor of the jail. It served as a courthouse. Since then, it has functioned as a hospital, health center, home for the elderly and a museum. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974, reference #74000461. 
The Ross/ Fryer-Cushman House was built in 1876 and is located in 364 N. Grant St. Roderick Ross, one of Florence's first blacksmiths, W.C. Smith was the second owner. Pauline Cushman (born Harriet Wood), an American actress and a spy for the Union Army during the American Civil War and her husband Jere Fryer, later purchased the house. Tom Mix was a tenant there in the 1930s. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Ross/ Fryer-Cushman House was built in 1876 and is located in 364 N. Grant St. Roderick Ross, one of Florence's first blacksmiths, W.C. Smith was the second owner. Pauline Cushman (born Harriet Wood), an American actress and a spy for the Union Army during the American Civil War and her husband Jere Fryer, later purchased the house. Tom Mix was a tenant there in the 1930s. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Walker-Oury House was built in 1877 and is located in 255 Ruggles St. John D. Walker was an agent and physician to the Pima Indians at Sacaton. This building was used as courtroom and county offices during his terms as justice of the peace, county surveyor and probate judge. Walker was an early investor in the Vekol Mine and wrote the first Pima grammar text. Here Pauline Cushman, a Union Army American Civil War spy and actress, wed Jere Freyer. The building was purchased (1886) by Granville Oury, delegate to the Confederate Congress, Arizona territorial legislator and attorney general, district court judge, and delegate to the U.S. Congress. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Walker-Oury House was built in 1877 and is located in 255 Ruggles St. John D. Walker was an agent and physician to the Pima Indians at Sacaton. This building was used as courtroom and county offices during his terms as justice of the peace, county surveyor and probate judge. Walker was an early investor in the Vekol Mine and wrote the first Pima grammar text. Here Pauline Cushman, a Union Army American Civil War spy and actress, wed Jere Freyer. The building was purchased (1886) by Granville Oury, delegate to the Confederate Congress, Arizona territorial legislator and attorney general, district court judge, and delegate to the U.S. Congress. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The John Clum House was built in 1878 and is located in 180 N. Granite St. The home was built by John Clum, an Indian agent, editor and publisher of Florence’s first newspaper, the Arizona Citizen. He also was the founder and editor of the Tombstone Epitaph and was Tombstone’s first mayor. This building appears to have housed the Citizen’s office and press. A later owner, William Guild, built the telegraph line from the Silver King Mine to Casa Grande. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The John Clum House was built in 1878 and is located in 180 N. Granite St. The home was built by John Clum, an Indian agent, editor and publisher of Florence’s first newspaper, the Arizona Citizen. He also was the founder and editor of the Tombstone Epitaph and was Tombstone’s first mayor. This building appears to have housed the Citizen’s office and press. A later owner, William Guild, built the telegraph line from the Silver King Mine to Casa Grande. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Isabelle Cosgrove House was built in 1878 and is located in 191 Bailey St. Frank Cosgrove was born in Ireland. He immigrated to the US and became a blacksmith. He lived in this house with his wife Isabelle. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Isabelle Cosgrove House was built in 1878 and is located in 191 Bailey St. Frank Cosgrove was born in Ireland. He immigrated to the US and became a blacksmith. He lived in this house with his wife Isabelle. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The George Brown House was built in 1878 and is located in 125 Ruggles St. The home was occupied by George A. Brown, Florence’s first Wells Fargo agent (1877-1903). Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The George Brown House was built in 1878 and is located in 125 Ruggles St. The home was occupied by George A. Brown, Florence’s first Wells Fargo agent (1877-1903). Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Jean Baptiste Residence/ Lone Star Store was built in 1878 and is located in 220 Ruggles St. Jean Baptiste was a farmer from the French region of Burgundy and former artilleryman with Maximilian’s occupation army in Mexico. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Jean Baptiste Residence/ Lone Star Store was built in 1878 and is located in 220 Ruggles St. Jean Baptiste was a farmer from the French region of Burgundy and former artilleryman with Maximilian’s occupation army in Mexico. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The John Nicolas New Beer Hall was built in 1880 and is located in 180 Bailey St. The north portion of the house was became Nicolas’s "New Beer Hall". It has also been used as a newspaper printing office. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The John Nicolas New Beer Hall was built in 1880 and is located in 180 Bailey St. The north portion of the house was became Nicolas’s "New Beer Hall". It has also been used as a newspaper printing office. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Jesus Preciado de Luna/ Bernardina Lorona House was built in 1880 and is located in 115 E. 11th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Jesus Preciado de Luna/ Bernardina Lorona House was built in 1880 and is located in 115 E. 11th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Sam Kee House was built in 1880 and is located in 171 Pinal St. Sam Kee was a Chinese immigrant who settled in Florence. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Sam Kee House was built in 1880 and is located in 171 Pinal St. Sam Kee was a Chinese immigrant who settled in Florence. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Harvey-Niemeyer House was built in 1880 and is located in 250 (once 1613) S. Main St. Physician William Harvey was known as an "Angle of Mercy" during a smallpox epidemic and was on scene at the aftermath of the 1888 Pete Gabriel-Joe Phy shootout. Later resident Charles Niemeyer was Clerk of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors for 25 years and also served as local postmaster. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002627.
The Harvey-Niemeyer House was built in 1880 and is located in 250 (once 1613) S. Main St. Physician William Harvey was known as an "Angle of Mercy" during a smallpox epidemic and was on scene at the aftermath of the 1888 Pete Gabriel-Joe Phy shootout. Later resident Charles Niemeyer was Clerk of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors for 25 years and also served as local postmaster. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002627. 
The Emma Monk Guild House was built in 1880 and is located in 171 Willow St. Emma Monk Guild taught school in Florence off and on from 1885 to 1897 and was the first Florence principal. She also taught in Red Rock, Casa Grande and was an instructor at the University of Arizona Preparatory in Tucson and a principle at Clifton. She is considered one of Arizona's mothers of education. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Emma Monk Guild House was built in 1880 and is located in 171 Willow St. Emma Monk Guild taught school in Florence off and on from 1885 to 1897 and was the first Florence principal. She also taught in Red Rock, Casa Grande and was an instructor at the University of Arizona Preparatory in Tucson and a principle at Clifton. She is considered one of Arizona's mothers of education. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Elmer Coker House was built in 1881 and is located in 100 S. Main St. Elmer Coker was a delegate to the Arizona Constitutional Convention and is considered "Father of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Elmer Coker House was built in 1881 and is located in 100 S. Main St. Elmer Coker was a delegate to the Arizona Constitutional Convention and is considered "Father of the Arizona Corporation Commission. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The William Clark House was built in 1884 and is located in 190 Main St. This house was built for Silver King mining engineer William Clarke and his wife Ella. The house later served as the residence of Richard E. Sloan , Arizona’s last Territorial Governor. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The William Clark House was built in 1884 and is located in 190 Main St. This house was built for Silver King mining engineer William Clarke and his wife Ella. The house later served as the residence of Richard E. Sloan , Arizona’s last Territorial Governor. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Jean Avenenti Building was built in 1886 and is located in 289 Main St. Italian immigrant Juan Avenenti purchased this property in 1886 from Frank M. Griffen. Previously, it had belonged to Florence pioneers Levi Ruggles and Charles Douglas. Avenenti, a grocer, butcher and rancher, built the present structure for a meat market. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Jean Avenenti Building was built in 1886 and is located in 289 Main St. Italian immigrant Juan Avenenti purchased this property in 1886 from Frank M. Griffen. Previously, it had belonged to Florence pioneers Levi Ruggles and Charles Douglas. Avenenti, a grocer, butcher and rancher, built the present structure for a meat market. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Andronico Lorona House was built in 1886 and is located in 324 Silver St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002631.
The Andronico Lorona House was built in 1886 and is located in 324 Silver St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002631. 
The Carmen Mecha House was built in 1887 and is located in 240 Ruggles St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Carmen Mecha House was built in 1887 and is located in 240 Ruggles St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Truman Randall House was built in 1887 and is located in 550 (once was 2010) S. Main St. W.C. Truman was the sheriff who in 1889 captured Pearl Heart, the first woman to rob a stagecoach. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1987, reference #87001594.
The Truman Randall House was built in 1887 and is located in 550 (once was 2010) S. Main St. W.C. Truman was the sheriff who in 1889 captured Pearl Heart, the first woman to rob a stagecoach. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1987, reference #87001594. 
Florence High School was built in 1887 and is located in 1000 S. Main St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1987, reference #87001306.
Florence High School was built in 1887 and is located in 1000 S. Main St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1987, reference #87001306. 
The Jacob Suter House was built in 1888 and is located in 270 Pinal St. Jacob Suter was a Swiss born tinsmith. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Jacob Suter House was built in 1888 and is located in 270 Pinal St. Jacob Suter was a Swiss born tinsmith. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The John Keating House was built in 1888 and is located in 234 Willow St. John Keating was a pioneer stage driver. He served in the Territorial legislature, Florence town councilman and mayor of Florence. He was owner of the "Tunnel Saloon", site of the 1888 Pete Gabriel-Joe Phy shootout. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The John Keating House was built in 1888 and is located in 234 Willow St. John Keating was a pioneer stage driver. He served in the Territorial legislature, Florence town councilman and mayor of Florence. He was owner of the "Tunnel Saloon", site of the 1888 Pete Gabriel-Joe Phy shootout. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The John Nicolas Saloon was built in 1889 and is located in 46 E. 11th St. Designed by prominent Arizona architect James M. Creighton, this is the oldest standing fired-brick building in Florence. French-born rancher farmer John Nicholas moved his saloon to this building soon after its construction in 1889. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The John Nicolas Saloon was built in 1889 and is located in 46 E. 11th St. Designed by prominent Arizona architect James M. Creighton, this is the oldest standing fired-brick building in Florence. French-born rancher farmer John Nicholas moved his saloon to this building soon after its construction in 1889. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Albert T. Colton/ H. H. Freeman House was built in 1889 and is located in the Southwest corner of Butte and Willow Streets. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002615.
The Albert T. Colton/ H. H. Freeman House was built in 1889 and is located in the Southwest corner of Butte and Willow Streets. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002615. 
The C.D. Henry House was built in 1889 and is located in 144 (once 1520) S. Willow St. The Henry house is considered one the earliest fired brick residences remaining In Florence. Listed in the National Register of National Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002628.
The C.D. Henry House was built in 1889 and is located in 144 (once 1520) S. Willow St. The Henry house is considered one the earliest fired brick residences remaining In Florence. Listed in the National Register of National Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002628. 
The Conrad Brunenkant City Bakery Building was built in 1890 and is located in 291 Bailey St. The two story red brick building was built for Conrad Brunenkant, a Dutch-born baker and grocer. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Conrad Brunenkant City Bakery Building was built in 1890 and is located in 291 Bailey St. The two story red brick building was built for Conrad Brunenkant, a Dutch-born baker and grocer. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Second Pinal County Courthouse was built in 1891 and is located in 135 Pinal St. The Courthouse is the most important architectural landmark in Florence and the most outstanding surviving example of the American-Victorian Style in Central Arizona. The building was designed by Arizona architect James M. Creighton, who was among the Territory’s first architects. Three notorious women were presented before this court. They were Pearl Heart, Eva Dugan and Winnie Ruth Judd. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in August 2, 1978, reference #78000568. 
Different view of the Second Pinal County Courthouse which was built in 1891 and which is located in 135 Pinal St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in August 2, 1978, reference #78000568.
Different view of the Second Pinal County Courthouse which was built in 1891 and which is located in 135 Pinal St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in August 2, 1978, reference #78000568. 
The George Brockway House (also known as the Araiza House - 2017 Central St.) was built in 1900 and is located in 501 S. Central Ave. George Brockway was the first mayor of Florence. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2004, reference #04000485
The George Brockway House (also known as the Araiza House - 2017 Central St.) was built in 1900 and is located in 501 S. Central Ave. George Brockway was the first mayor of Florence. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 26, 2004, reference #04000485 
The Carminatte-Parham House was built in 1910 and is located in 350 E. 6th St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002624.
The Carminatte-Parham House was built in 1910 and is located in 350 E. 6th St. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002624. 
The Ignacio Manjares House was built in 1910 and is located in 351 Silver St. Ignacio Manjares was a charter member of the Pinal County Cattle Growers Association. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1987, reference #87001591.
The Ignacio Manjares House was built in 1910 and is located in 351 Silver St. Ignacio Manjares was a charter member of the Pinal County Cattle Growers Association. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1987, reference #87001591. 
La Paloma Bar was built in 1912 and is located in 255 Main St. Originally a saloon, the building served as a pool hall during statewide Prohibition. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
La Paloma Bar was built in 1912 and is located in 255 Main St. Originally a saloon, the building served as a pool hall during statewide Prohibition. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Second Catholic Church was built in 1912 and is located in 221 E. 8th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Second Catholic Church was built in 1912 and is located in 221 E. 8th St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Joseph Spinas Rental House was built in 1913 and is located in 221 Bailey St. Joseph Spinas, a prominent cattle rancher, was born in Switzerland. With his two brothers, he built one of the first irrigation ditches in the Florence area on the north side of the Gila River. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Joseph Spinas Rental House was built in 1913 and is located in 221 Bailey St. Joseph Spinas, a prominent cattle rancher, was born in Switzerland. With his two brothers, he built one of the first irrigation ditches in the Florence area on the north side of the Gila River. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The White and McCarthy Lumber and Hardware Building was built in 1914 and is located in 290 Main St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. It now hosts a True Value hardware store.
The White and McCarthy Lumber and Hardware Building was built in 1914 and is located in 290 Main St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. It now hosts a True Value hardware store. 
The Popular Store/ Mandells Dept. Store Building was built in 1915 and is located in 291 Main St. It belonged to C.G. Powell’ whose "The Popular Store," were specialists in ready-to-wear clothing. Kaufmann Mandell purchased the building in 1919 and operated the Mandell’s Department Store. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Popular Store/ Mandells Dept. Store Building was built in 1915 and is located in 291 Main St. It belonged to C.G. Powell’ whose "The Popular Store," were specialists in ready-to-wear clothing. Kaufmann Mandell purchased the building in 1919 and operated the Mandell’s Department Store. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The George Huffman House was built in 1919 and is located in 425 Butte Ave. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002629.
The George Huffman House was built in 1919 and is located in 425 Butte Ave. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1986, reference #86002629. 
The Mauk Building was built in 1925 and is located in 360 Main St. This building was one of three built by early movie-house mogul and later U.S. Marshal, George Mauk. A portion of the Isis Theater was located on the same site. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Mauk Building was built in 1925 and is located in 360 Main St. This building was one of three built by early movie-house mogul and later U.S. Marshal, George Mauk. A portion of the Isis Theater was located on the same site. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Thomas Fulbright House was built in 1925 and is located in 75 Matilda St. Thomas (Tom) Fulbright wrote a book titled "Cow Country Counselor". He was involved in the cases of Winnie Ruth Judd and Eva Dugan. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 4, 1996, reference #96001955.
The Thomas Fulbright House was built in 1925 and is located in 75 Matilda St. Thomas (Tom) Fulbright wrote a book titled "Cow Country Counselor". He was involved in the cases of Winnie Ruth Judd and Eva Dugan. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 4, 1996, reference #96001955. 
The Florence Women’s Club Building was built in 1929 and is located in 231 Willow St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Florence Women’s Club Building was built in 1929 and is located in 231 Willow St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The John Zellinger House was built in 1929 and is located in 191 Willow St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The John Zellinger House was built in 1929 and is located in 191 Willow St. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The First Presbyterian Church of Florence was built in 1931 and is located in 225 Butte Ave. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The First Presbyterian Church of Florence was built in 1931 and is located in 225 Butte Ave. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 
The Florence Town Hall Building was built in 1948 and is located in 130 Main St. The town hall also served as a police and fire station. The Town Hall was relocated in the 1980s. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission.
The Florence Town Hall Building was built in 1948 and is located in 130 Main St. The town hall also served as a police and fire station. The Town Hall was relocated in the 1980s. Listed as Historic by the Historic District Advisory Commission. 

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Arizona Republic
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lei Ruggles, Founder of Florence
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 About Florence
  8. ↑ Ghost towns
  9. ↑ Shootout at the Tunnel Saloon
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 1930: Eva Dugan, her head jerked clean off, Executed Today]
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Arizona State Hospital History http://www.azdhs.gov/azsh/history.htm
  14. ↑ History
  15. ↑ "Camp Florence Days", a book and blog by a WWII guard at the Florence POW camp.
  16. ↑ "Florence (detention facility)" Densho Encyclopedia (accessed 17 Jun 2014)
  17. ↑ Star
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ "Town Boundaries." Town of Florence. Retrieved on August 16, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Arizona State Prison Complex – Eyman." Arizona Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 16, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Arizona State Prison Complex – Florence." Arizona Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 16, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Death Row Information and Frequently Asked Questions." Arizona Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 16, 2010.
  27. ↑ http://www.countrythunder.com/ct_2003/assets/07web/az/mainaz.html
  28. ↑ http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/126500
  29. ↑ National Register of Historic Places in Pinal County, Arizona.
  30. ↑ Historic District Advisory Commission.
  31. ↑ Walking Tour of Historic Florence

External links

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