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The Naming of Prescott and Her Streets

January 28, 2019
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by Drew Desmond, Secretary, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation

Prescott was named after author William Hickling Prescott, who was already deceased at the time and had never set foot in the West. Prescott wrote “History of the Conquest Mexico” where he incorrectly theorized that the Indian ruins in the Southwestern U.S. were built by the well-civilized Aztecs who were eventually destroyed by the “savage” Apaches.

Popular in its day, this theory helped heighten fear and harden hearts among Anglos against Native Americans.

It was unusual for towns to bear the names of people who were not involved with their founding, yet the startup community around Fort Whipple officially named itself Prescott in May 1864.

Other names were considered, including Goodwin City, Granite, Fleuryville, Gimletville, and Audubon. A last contender also harkened to Prescott’s book: Aztlan. Although this last option was rejected by the town founders, it was later adopted by Arizona’s first Masonic Lodge.

Indeed, town founders were so enamored with Prescott’s book, they not only named the town for its author, but they named several streets after the main characters in his book. Montezuma, Cortez, Alarcon, Marina, and Coronado (now Pleasant) are all examples. Marina was the only original street named after a woman. She was Cortez’s mistress.

Three of Prescott’s original streets were named for Arizona’s first territorial governors: Gurley, Goodwin and McCormick, who served in that order. Unfortunately, Gurley never made it to Prescott either. He died “before he even loaded his wagon for the trip.” Goodwin served from 1863 until 1866 when Robert McCormick, of New Jersey, took over.

Military men were also honored with street names. Willis Street was named after Major Edward B. Willis, who established the Whipple post in December 1863 at Del Rio Springs. Speaking of Whipple, that street (and the Army post itself,) was named for Brig. Gen. A.W. Whipple, who was in charge of Arizona’s boundary survey in 1850. The original Whipple Street was actually today’s Mt. Vernon because it led to the post. Carleton Street was named for James H. Carleton of the 1st California Calvary. He arrived in Yuma in January 1863 and defeated the only Confederate expedition into the Arizona territory.

Other streets were named for early explorers. These include: Walker, Aubrey, Leroux, Sheldon and Lount. Granite Street was undoubtedly named for the adjacent creek.

According to the book “Oral History of the Yavapai,” by Mike Harrison, et al., the Yavapai people originally named Prescott “Wahagsigiita.” However, no English translation for it was offered in the book. Another native people called the area “In-dil-chin-ar,” which means “pine woods.”

SOURCES: “Prescott Yesteryears” by Melissa Ruffner; “Prescott Streets” Vertical File; Sharlot Hall Museum Archives

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Prescott Living Magazine

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OUT & ABOUT — Thank you to Karen Shaw for sending in these shots of Jerome and the San Francisco Peaks on a beautiful winter day! We publish reader photos in every issue of Prescott LIVING. Send in your best shots by email to photos@roxco.com. Photos should be taken by you, anywhere in the Greater Prescott area. Selected photos will appear in print and on our social media channels.#jeromeaz #prescott #northernaz #sanfranciscopeaks ... See MoreSee Less

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Arizona State Senator Ken Bennett will read a proclamation in memory of Dr. Billie Orr on Wednesday, Feb. 1st at 1:15 p.m. on the Senate floor. The session will be livestreamed at www.azleg.gov/liveproceedings. Here is the text of the proclamation. . . . Recognition In Memory of Dr. Billie OrrWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served the citizens of Prescott on the City Council from 2015 until 2021 and during that time as mayor Pro Tempore from 2017 until 2020; andWHEREAS, she was a member and past President of the Republican Women of Prescott; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr Founded the Mayor’s Commission on Well-Being for the City of Prescott; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served as City Council Liaison for several City Boards and Commissions during her tenure as Councilmember; and WHEREAS, she served as a Board Member of Arizona Town Hall, Prescott Western Heritage Foundation and Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr was an active Rotarian, serving on Rotary Clubs in the Phoenix area and in Prescott; and WHEREAS, she was a big fan of pickleball and helped Prescott Build outdoor courts for its citizens; andWHEREAS, prior to her service in Prescott, Dr. Billie Orr was active in Arizona education for more than twenty-five years; and WHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr served the citizens of Arizona as Arizona’s Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction; andWHEREAS, under her leadership, Arizona created state academic standards that were ranked among the best in the nation; andWHEREAS, in earlier years she taught in the Madison District in Phoenix and was the Principal of Kiva School in Scottsdale; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr was a dedicated and longtime public servant to the citizens of Arizona who brought a positive and caring aspect to her service, inspiring many who worked with her; andWHEREAS, Dr. Billie Orr will be greatly missed by her many friends in Prescott and throughout Arizona; andNOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her husband Bob, their children and grandchildren and all family members.. . . ... See MoreSee Less

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