Fort Apache
Show Low
Pinetop-Lakeside
Snowflake/Taylor
The White Mountains are rich in the history and heritage of the ancient indian and pioneer families that inhabited the region.
The Trail of Many Tracks Historical Tour
A strong sense of appreciation and preservation for historical ancestry is evident in the White Mountains. The "Trail of Many Tracks" is an historical driving tour that highlights the prehistoric and historic aspects of the Little Colorado River Plateau and White Mountains. An audio tour tape is also available by contacting any of the Chamber of Commerce offices of the communities featured on the tour.
Springerville/Eagar and St. Johns
Casa Malpais Ruins Overlooking the Town of Springerville, the 17-acre ruins were occupied in the 13th century, and have been carefully preserved. Unusual features such as the Great Kiva, a catacomb burial area, stairways, astronomically aligned shrines, and petroglyphs provide visitors with a distinct view into the regions ancient past. Considered as one of the finest archeological parks in the southwest, a museum and gift shop displaying artifacts from the time period welcomes visitors in Springerville. Guided tours are also available.
Rattlesnake Point Ruin and Petroglyph Trail Lymon Lake State Park-Located just minutes from St. Johns and Springerville, Lyman Lake State Park is a 1,180-acre park that encompasses the shoreline of this man-made reservoir. Rattlesnake Point Pueblo was a medium-sized village that was home to about 15 families between AD 1325 and 1390. It was one story tall and had between 80 and 90 rooms. The pueblo was built and occupied by the ancestors of the Hopi, and perhaps other, Pueblo Indian groups. When occupied, the architecture would have resembled that of historic pueblo villages. The pueblo sat on a long ridge overlooking the Little Colorado River. The fertile floodplain along the river was almost certainly farmed by the people living at Rattlesnake Point. Complete trail guide offered in visitor center. Rooms from this 14th century ruin can be viewed from a short trail. Tours are available through the Ranger Station on a seasonal basis.
Apache County Historical Museum, St. Johns The museum preserves the artifacts of the early pioneers that settled in the region. The museum features interpretive displays and original pieces that help to capture the lifestyle of the original families that came to carve a lifestyle here in the 1800's.
Little House Museum, Greer This privately owned and operated museum in the Town of Greer, just 20 minutes south of Springerville/Eagar provides exhibits that pay tribute to the uniquely western spirit that lives on in the region.
Casa Malpais Archeological Visitor's Center Museum, Springerville This museum, which operates in conjunction with the Casa Malpais Ruins north of the town, specializes in exhibits of pottery and crafts from the first inhabitants to this part of Arizona.
"Pistols, Plows and Petticoats" Historic Driving Tour This self-guided tour offers a sense of pioneer spirit and wild west excitement as visitors learn of the communities historic roots.
Fort Apache
Originally established in 1870 as a military outpost, Fort Apache is today a historic park listed on the registrar of National Historic Places. Fort Apache has a place in the rich history of the old west, having served as the staging place for soldiers in pursuit of famous Apache bands led by Geronimo and Cochise.
Visitors may take a guided or self-guided walking tour of the 20 buildings that have been restored on the 288-acre site. Prehistoric ruins, petroglyphs, the old military cemetery, the Apache Cultural Center, a recreation of an Apache village, and a museum make Fort Apache a destination for families wishing to experience first hand the drama of the old west. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM, Fort Apache is located 20 minutes south of the Hon-Dah Resort and Casino, and is the perfect choice for a day trip within the White Mountains. Along the scenic drive through the forest of the White Mountain Apache Reservation, visitors frequently spot wildlife.
Click here for a complete history of Fort Apache, as documented by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
For additional information:
Fort Apache Historic Park
P.O. Box 628
Fort Apache, Arizona 85926
(928) 338-1392
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Office of Tourism
(928) 338-1230
Show Low
Show Low Historical Museum Legend has it that two of the earliest settlers played cards over ownership of the ranch where the City stands today. Corydon Cooley's response to his partner Marion Clark's challenge to "Show low and you win" was to draw the deuce of clubs from the deck, thus winning ownership of the ranch, and, as many believe, giving the town it's name.
The storied past of the city that was "named by the turn of a card" comes to life in this nine room museum. Each room is dedicated to special themes that depict the past, such as ancient area pottery, a turn of the century kitchen, tools from an old blacksmith shop, and other exhibits that honor Show Low's early families.
Pinetop-Lakeside
Founded in the early 1880's by Mormon pioneers, Lakeside derived its name from the area's lakes, and Pinetop derived its name from the nickname of a saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers.
The two communities incorporated as one town in 1984. Pinetop-Lakeside, at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities, proximity to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine, and for an outstanding quality of life.
Snowflake/Taylor
Snowflake's Historic Pioneer Homes Tour 55 of the 102 homes in the Historic District have been carefully restored, many to their original condition, making the Historic District of Snowflake one of the finest in the southwest. 45 of the town's homes are listed on Arizona's Historic Registry, 7 are open to the public to tour, and five are established as museums where guests can experience living history. Tours are offered Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is $1 per person, per home, children ages 6 and under are admitted at no charge. All tours begin at the Stinson Pioneer Museum, 102 N. 1st East in Snowflake. Group tours and package deals are available. For more information or to schedule a group tour call 1-928-536-4881.
The Stinson Pioneer Museum Features tools, quilts and other pioneer items, as well as Native American pottery and relics from local archeological digs. The museum is located in an adobe building built by James Stinson, which became William J. Flake's residence. Hours of operation are Tues.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The cost is $1 per person.
Taylor Museum The Town of Taylor's Museum features heritage items from the community's past. Revolving displays highlight early pioneer families. The building it is located in was originally Jane Hatch's Camp for the Daughters of the Pioneers. Open Saturdays from 10 am to 12 noon.
Shumway School House The only one-room brick school house still standing in Arizona. Open Saturday from 10 am to noon, or by appointment. For more information call 928-536-7565.
