Prescott Honored As ‘True’ Western Town

Prescott has long been proud of its reputation as a territorial, frontier and cowboy town. Just ask any of the regulars who line the bars along Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott.
Apparently, others agree. Prescott was named the No. 4 Western Town in the U.S. by True West Magazine in its spring issue.
Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell said, “Prescott is a remarkable Old West Town. It has done so much to preserve and present its history through buildings, museums, events and more.”
Among those events are the Prescott Frontier Days® and the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, all occurring during the annual July 4 celebrations, which often last a full week.
Not even COVID-19 stopped the 133rd performance of the rodeo. More than 700 contestants from around the nation showed up to compete, despite the crowd numbers being restricted to about one-fourth what they usually are.
When J.C. Trujillo, general manager of Frontier Days, heard of the article, he said: “We’re proud of our history and legacy in Prescott. We continue building the rodeo with its rich western culture, and that attracts thousands to our community.”
Other well-known attractions that play off the territorial, frontier and cowboy image are the Western Heritage Center, 156 S. Montezuma St.; Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St.; Phippen Museum of Art and Heritage of the American West, 4701 N. State Route 89; and the Museum of Indigenous People, 147 N. Arizona Ave.
Locals and visitors alike also are treated to Prescott walking tours, organized by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. The Prescott Heritage Trail self-guided walking tours guide participants to cultural and historical sites in the downtown community.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli said, “We’re proud of this recognition and the chance to showcase our western history, heritage and culture. Our community is rich with experiences from the past.”
San Angelo, Texas was named No 1. Also in the top 10 were No. 2, Deadwood, South Dakota; No. 3, Buffalo, Wyoming; No. 5, Fort Smith, Arkansas; No. 6, Dodge City, Kansas; No. 7, Sheridan, Wyoming; No. 8, Tombstone, Arizona; No. 9, Scottsbluff-Gering, Nebraska; No. 10, Carson City, Nevada.
Photo by Ray Newton