COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA

Cottonwood was founded in 1879.   Charles D Willard settled in the area, bringing with him a mechanic named Neff.  As other settlers came in the area became a farming settlement until World War I.  They found a market for their crops, hay and grain in Camp Verde and later in Jerome.  Most farm operations included running some cattle.

Cottonwood and the Verde River area was overgrown with native grasses, cacti, mesquite, juniper and rabbit bush, furnishing excellent hunting for rabbits and quail.  Between 1915 and 1917 Cottonwood began building its town.  By March of 1917, Cottonwood began booming.

Cottonwood appealed to the more venturesome, those who wanted their own home and business. There was also a certain reputation for lawlessness.  Some who settled in Cottonwood were run out of the nearby company towns.  Heavy bootlegging abounded, attracting other non-law abiding citizens as well as law abiding citizens from other towns.

Cottonwood was known to have the best bootlegging booze within hundreds of miles, attracting citizens from LA, Phoenix and those closer to home. According to statistics compiled for the State Directory in the late teens, Cottonwood was represented by 64 businessmen who operated 4 general mercantile stores, 5 stores handling dry goods, 3 restaurants, 1 barbershop, 1 movie theater, 1 amusement hall, 1 drugstore, 1 bakery, 1 confectionary, 1 lumber yard, 2 garages, 2 blacksmiths, a butcher shop, a furniture store, 2 shoe stores, 7 pool halls, a service station, an ice plant, a jewelry shop, 2 hotels, a cleaning shop, a root beet stand, 1 novelty store and an ice cream parlor.  The Arizona power had a temporary office.  Cottonwood proper had 300 residents.

By the 1020’s, there was not another town in the US that could boast of so many business houses for a population of about 1000.  Cottonwood was called the “Biggest Little Town in Arizona”.  Merchants were doing a fine business and were busy all the time.

Today Cottonwood is the place to go if you’re looking for something special.  Located in Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona, Cottonwood is surrounded by jagged mountains on the south east and west, and to the north by mesas and buttes.  Named for the beautiful Cottonwood trees that grow along the Verde River, the town has grown from a small farming community to the Verde Valley’s population center.

Attractions In and Around Cottonwood

Lots of the Convention attendees also did some sightseeing while they were in Cottonwood.  these are some of the wonderful places they visited...

Interested in Indian Ruins? Explore Montezuma Castle which has been called one of the best preserved, most dramatic cliff dwellings or, Tuzigoot , the remnant of an Indian village. Both monuments offer some history and hiking opportunities.

Jerome, the ‘Billion Dollar Copper Camp’ is just a few miles from Cottonwood.  The Jerome State Historic Park and the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum offer a look at the town’s colorful history.  Jerome has become a well recognized art destination, with over 30 galleries and numerous fine shops, restaurants and hotels.

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a trip through Arizona’s other “Grand Canyon”, the Verde Canyon, which is home to bald eagles and accessible only by rail.  Travelers see panoramic views, high desert rock faces, and the flora and fauna of the area.

The popular resort area of Sedona in the red rock country is only about 24 miles from Cottonwood. Many consider it the most beautiful place in Arizona. Sedona is surrounded by magnificent red rock formations and cooled by the rushing waters of Oak Creek. It offers unique shops, and galleries abundant with art, Native American jewelry, sculptures and much more. There are hiking trails, a natural water park at Slide Rock, and jeep tours of the area.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is not your typical wild animal display; it is truly a “walk on the wild side”. There is an educational tram tour which takes you to the animals plus unobstructed photo platforms for observing and photographing them.  There is a Predator Feed as well as the Tiger Splash show.

Arcosanti is not one of the better known attractions in the area, but unique and well worth a visit. It is Paolo Soleri’s concept of architecture and ecology working as one integral process to produce new urban habitats. Soleri Windbells are popular gifts or souvenirs of the area.

Cliff Castle Casino, Camp Verde, provides the night live with slot machines, live poker, and blackjack.  In addition there is a bowling center, a childcare center, an arcade, and live entertainment on the weekends.

Never been to Arizona?  Don’t miss seeing one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World.  The Grand Canyon is only about 160 miles from Cottonwood.