4 Historic Steam Locomotives in Arizona

Like many western states, Arizona has a long and storied history with railroads. The majority of the lines built in Arizona were privately run by mining and lumber companies. Many of the locomotives which ran these lines are now preserved in parks and museums around the state.

One website I found mentioned that there are 28 locomotives on display throughout Arizona. This is by no means a complete list, but here are four historic steam locomotives that I have run across in my travels around Arizona.

Southwest Lumber Mills Engine #12 - Flagstaff, AZ

 
At the Pioneer Museum in Flagstaff, Arizona, you can see this historic locomotive on display as you drive by on US 180 to or from the Grand Canyon. Engine #12 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Pennsylvania in 1929. This standard gauge locomotive has a 2-6-6-0 configuration and was run by the Hammond Lumber Company in Oregon and California.

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Apache Drive In Theater in Globe Closes Down

I am very sad to report that in September of 2013, the Apache Drive-In Theater in Globe, Arizona has closed permanently.

The single-screen theater opened in 1954 and has provided the residents of Globe (population: 7,457) with a place to enjoy movies under the stars for almost 60 years. The final showing was "American Graffiti" on September 28, 2013.

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Grand Canyon University Plans Mesa Campus for 2015

With Arizona's economy still recovering from the Great Recession, many unemployed and under-employed workers are looking to gain a competitive edge by going back to school. This has been good for Grand Canyon University, a for-profit private Christian university located in Phoenix.

While other for-profit schools such as DeVry University and University of Phoenix are feeling the pinch of the economic times, Grand Canyon continues to grow. Now, the university has announced plans to build a satellite campus in Mesa, Arizona which is expected to open in 2015.

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Hillside Letters of Arizona

Have you ever noticed that lots of small towns in Arizona have the first letter of their city's name painted on a mountain? I have noticed these, and only recently did I discover that they have a name: hillside letters.

These hillside letters (or 'mountain monikers') are largely a western phenomenon. You won't find them east of the Mississippi River, but they are quite prevalent in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and even as far west as Texas. Not much is known about how or why the practice originated.

After scouring through my photo archives, it turns out that I have a number of these photos from around Arizona.

Here are some of Arizona's hillside letters that I have spotted:

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15 Historic Hotels in Arizona

When it comes to lodging, Arizona has some pretty unique hotels to choose from. Each of the ones on my list features a rich history that gives them character.

So without further ado, here is my list of 15 historic hotels in Arizona.

15. Hotel St. Michael

Opened in 1901 on the site of the former Hotel Burke (which burned down), the Hotel St. Michael quickly became the cornerstone of "Whiskey Row." The 3-story building was designed by D.W. Miller in the Second Renaissance Revival style.

The hotel has hosted many distinguished visitors including President Theodore Roosevelt, John L. Sullivan, Jake Kilrain, Tom Mix, Zane Grey, and Senator Barry Goldwater.
(Description courtesy of Prescott Historical Society).

Opened: June 1, 1901
Address: 205 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Style: Second Renaissance Revival

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