Everybody's Hometown: Prescott, AZ

Prescott Arizona is a small town located south-west of Flagstaff and north-west of Phoenix. The mountain city sits at 5,347feet and was established in 1864 a midst the fighting of the Civil War. This took place a year after Lincoln had separate New Mexico from Arizona. John Gurley of Ohio was the states territorial governor, but died before the delegation left for the west. He was succeeded by John Goodwin of Maine. Both of these men have streets named after them and Goodwin was detrimental to the transformation of the city in the 19^th century. Prescott was originally named the capital of Arizona territory, but later became a center for ranching, mining, and health.There is something in this town that anyone can relate to, which is why it is known as "Everybody's Hometown."

Prescott’s history is well documented through artifacts, art, and the preserved historic district. The local museums like Sharlot Hall and Smoki house highly regarded traveling and permanent Territorial Days, Victorian Era, Native Indian, and western art collections. As well, each building has a plate that explains the history of the building and its implications on the city. Whiskey Row is a street full of saloons that maintains its historic charm but is quite a bit more serene. It’s characteristic of a main street block lined with lively libation serving establishments, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. It’s hard to believe that this strip was destroyed in 1900 by a fire.

Adding to the cultural experience there are over 800 buildings on the National Register of Historic Buildings including the recently restored 500-seat Elks Opera House, which is back to hosting live performances. This summer (2011) will be hosting Simon and Garfunkel. Mount Vernon Street characterizes Prescott’s numerous Historic Districts. It’s lined with trees and bordered by restored Victorian style homes. The downtown is the memorable heart of Prescott. The plaza also hosts community events, arts, crafts, and car shows, and is a prime location for some of the best people watching around.

Now that you know about the city here is the map of where we will be visiting through these next few blog posts. I parked at the Church on Mt. Vernon Street walked north took a left on Willis then a Left on Montezuma St. and wandered around up to Goodwin Street up and down Cortez Street headed East on Gurley Street until you see a big grassy field which little be known was Ken Lindley Park. The general square is mapped out below, but be sure to explore within the square or you will miss the beauty of Prescott.

The Blogs below discuss Whiskey Row, Neighborhood of Mt Vernon Street, the Prescott Courthouse and Post Office, Religion within Prescott, Gurley Street, and Prescott Brewing Company.

Whiskey Row

On July 14, 1900, this block was totally destroyed by fire. Within a few days of the fire, new construction was underway in brick and masonry. Most of the buildings on this block were constructed between the fall of 1900 and 1905. All of these buildings are constructed with permanence and appearance in mind in styles typical of early 20th century buildings.

This strip celebrates the landmark of previously having over 40 saloons on this segment of the street. It would be hard to imagine that so many saloons could have fit on one block. Prior to 1877, Whiskey Row was believed to have been located a couple blocks to the west of its present location. Many of the local employers and wives had to cross a foot bridge over Granite Creek to return home and in the wet season, some of the men and women would fall into this very shallow creek and drown.

The architecture of Whiskey Row is Neo-Georgian or Colonial Revival. The façade along this strip is quite symmetrical with the Georgian four over four sash windows. One of the oldest bars The Palace has an arched entryway with columns and temples framing the entrance. Today each business has a green awning with the service that is inside. This is code for the Prescott Historic District.

Federal Architecture

Below is the Plaza Bandstand that was originally built in the late 1800's. The Bandstand survived the 1900 fire, but was removed in 1908, despite the fact that it was built to house The Prescott Brass Band. In 1910 the Bandstand was reconstructed as one of the ways Prescott celebrate Arizona gaining statehood and pre-dates the current courthouse. The Bandstand since then has been used for weddings, Sunday schools, and Christmas celebrations.

Prescott’s tree-lined Courthouse Plaza is the pivot around which the town was designed and built. The courthouse is the center of this town and implicates planned geography and indicates that there was pre-planning and government influence within the city. Today, quaint boutiques, fantastic restaurants, and an eclectic array of galleries featuring local, regional and national artists surround this famous landmark. Whiskey Row faces the beautiful building with 4 identical facades which was something Palladio was known for. The Court house and the Post office are both representations of “Federal Architecture.”

The Building has columns that have elaborate entablature; however the capital at the top is a quite simple design almost representing the Dentil pattern. The building has a portico and sash windows. The entrance faces Cortez street to the East, which was the last entrance you would expect, because there are statues in front of the Northern and Southern entrances.

The Prescott Post Office has Federal Style architecture as well. The building has columns going up the facade, a fan light over all of the entries, and Georgian style four over four sash windows.

Mt. Vernon's Victorian

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but words nor pictures due these Victorian style houses the justice they deserve. The dominant characteristics are the low pitched roof, two or three stories high, many of the houses pediment above the door and windows, and one of the houses ha an oreal window that jets out on the second floor. Victorian houses are very picturesque and asymmetrical. The portico usually balances out the symmetry. The portico usually has columns that are Americanized and inviting. Below are some pictures to clarify what is being seen.

Religion within Prescott

There are quite a few churches or places of worship in Prescott. As Conzen stated in chapter 12 it was recreate the style of church of their home land which architecturally allows the building to stand out. There are two churches on Mt. Vernon and one is quite apparent, white the one on the North end of the street looks like a Victorian style house.

The church below is located on the northwest corner of Ellis. There are many distinct features on this church. The first is the front door with the arched window and the round window above that, which is Early National and Romantic style. The roof is steep and the windows on the side of the church are Gothic style with the pointed arch. There is extreme “cornage” on the corners of the church topped with a small peak and a cross exemplifying the Romanesque influence.

The Church below is located on Gurley Street and has a very distinct Gothic style that makes it unique. The windows are influenced by Palladio and the roof line is decorated with verge boards. The tower in the center represents Renaissance influence with the castle like look on all four facades of the tower.