Gila County, situated in the central region of Arizona, encompasses approximately 4,758 square miles of diverse terrain, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and expansive deserts. Formed on February 8, 1881, from portions of Maricopa and Pinal counties (with later additions from Yavapai County), the county derives its name from the Gila River, a Spanish adaptation of the Yuma word Hah-quah-sa-eel, meaning “running water which is salty.” As the self-proclaimed “Heart of Arizona,” Gila County has evolved from a contested frontier landscape to a region rich in cultural heritage, with a current population of around 54,073 as of 2024. Its geography features parts of the Tonto National Forest, the Mogollon Rim, and significant portions of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian Reservations, shaping its history of resilience amid natural and human challenges.

Native American Heritage

Long before European arrival, Gila County was home to indigenous peoples, particularly the Apache, who have inhabited the area for centuries. The Apache were among the first to domesticate horses, integrating them into their nomadic lifestyle and cultural practices. Archaeological sites reveal earlier inhabitants, including the Salado people (circa A.D. 1225–1400), who built sophisticated cliff dwellings and agricultural communities in the Sonoran Desert. These ancient ruins, such as those at Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park near Globe, showcase advanced stone masonry and irrigation systems, highlighting a thriving pre-Columbian society. The San Carlos Apache Tribe continues to preserve this legacy through cultural centers and oral histories, underscoring the county’s deep indigenous roots.

Exploration and Early Settlement

Spanish explorers first traversed the region in the 16th century, but permanent settlement began in the mid-19th century amid the California Gold Rush. Pioneers, ranchers, and Mormon settlers arrived in the 1870s, establishing communities like Payson and Strawberry. These early settlers faced harsh conditions, including Apache resistance, which led to conflicts over land and resources. The Strawberry Schoolhouse, built in 1884 and Arizona’s oldest standing one-room schoolhouse, exemplifies this era’s determination. Oral histories from multi-generational ranchers capture tales of survival, from battling wildfires to navigating the unforgiving wilderness.

The Mining Boom and Economic Transformation

The late 19th century heralded Gila County’s mining era, ignited by copper discoveries in the 1870s. Towns like Globe (the county seat), Miami, Hayden, and Winkelman sprang up as mining camps, fueled by America’s industrial demand for the “red metal.” By the early 1900s, Globe had become a bustling hub, with the Old Dominion Mine producing vast quantities of ore. This boom attracted diverse immigrants, including Mexican and Chinese laborers, contributing to the county’s multicultural fabric. Mining remains an economic pillar today, though tourism and ranching have diversified the landscape. The Gila County Historical Museum in Globe preserves artifacts from this period, including mining tools and photographs of boomtown life.

Conflicts, Outlaws, and the Code of the West

Gila County’s “Wild West” reputation was forged in violence and lawlessness. The Pleasant Valley War (1882–1892), a brutal feud between the cattle-herding Graham family and sheep-herding Tewksburys in the Tonto Basin, claimed over 20 lives and delayed Arizona’s statehood. Hired guns like Tom Horn exacerbated the chaos, while outlaws such as Billy the Kid and Pearl Hart roamed the territory. Hanging trees and stagecoach robberies dotted the landscape, embodying the “Code of the West”—a creed of honor, self-reliance, and frontier justice. Zane Grey, the prolific Western novelist, drew inspiration from these tales during his stays in the county, chronicling them in works like To the Last Man. The Pleasant Valley Museum in Young details this infamous conflict through exhibits and reenactments.

Modern Developments and Preservation

The 20th century brought infrastructure like Roosevelt Dam (completed 1911), which created Arizona’s largest reservoir and symbolized federal investment in the West. The 1967 Supreme Court case In re Gault, originating from a local juvenile arrest, revolutionized U.S. juvenile justice rights. Today, Gila County balances preservation with progress: its economy relies on tourism, forestry, and mining, with a median household income of about $37,580 (2010 data). Demographic shifts show a growing Hispanic (17.43%) and Native American (16.25%) population, reflecting ongoing cultural integration. Events like the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo in Payson (since 1884) celebrate this heritage annually. Preservation efforts, including the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami, ensure stories of pioneers, miners, and Native Americans endure.

In summary, Gila County’s history is a tapestry of indigenous stewardship, rugged individualism, and transformative industry—a testament to human endurance in America’s Southwest frontier.

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Travel Brochure: Discover Gila County – Arizona’s Untamed Heart

Welcome to Gila County: Where the Wild Calls Your Name! Nestled in central Arizona, just a scenic drive from Phoenix, Gila County beckons with 4,700+ square miles of jaw-dropping beauty—from the towering Mogollon Rim to crystal-clear lakes and ancient ruins. Whether you’re a history buff, adrenaline junkie, or starlit dreamer, our 17 vibrant communities (think Globe, Payson, and Miami) offer endless adventures. Pack your boots, fuel your spirit, and answer the call of the wild—your epic escape starts here!

Must-See Points of Interest: Timeless Treasures Await

Dive into our top attractions, blending ancient mysteries with frontier flair:

• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Marvel at the world’s largest travertine bridge, a 400-foot natural wonder carved by ancient waters. Legend whispers of healing powers—hike the trails and feel the magic! (Entry: $7/adult)
• Roosevelt Lake – Arizona’s crown jewel at 15,560 acres, perfect for epic sunsets over shimmering waters. Boat, fish for bass, or hike cliffside trails—it’s a watery playground year-round.
• Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park – Step back 800 years to the Salado people’s village. Wander restored ruins, touch history, and uncover artifacts in this Globe gem—ideal for families and explorers.
• Tonto National Monument – Cliff dwellings high above the desert floor reveal Salado secrets from A.D. 1300. Guided tours unveil pottery and petroglyphs—pure time travel!
• Zane Grey Cabin – Channel your inner cowboy at the famed author’s retreat in Payson. Tour the cabin, browse Western lore, and snap pics amid pine-scented pines.
• Apache Trail Scenic Byway – Wind through canyons on this historic route (once a Native path, now a stagecoach relic). Desert vistas, saguaros, and Roosevelt Dam views—don’t forget your camera!
• Mogollon Rim – A 200-mile escarpment of epic proportions! Gaze over pine forests from overlooks, or venture into Hells Gate Wilderness for canyon-carved thrills.
• Peridot Mesa & AZ Poppy Fest – Spring blooms of golden poppies blanket the hills (Feb–April). Join the fest for wildflower hikes and photo ops that rival Sedona’s reds.

Pro Tip: Grab a Gila County Visitor Guide at the Globe Chamber of Commerce for maps and insider scoops!

Outdoor Adventures: Get Your Heart Pounding

Gila County’s playground spans deserts to peaks—over 3 million acres of Tonto National Forest alone!

Activity	Highlights	Best Spot
Hiking	800-mile Arizona Trail segments; Stairizona urban stairs with murals	Pinal Mountains, Stewart Pocket (Sedona-like views)
Water Fun	Kayak, jet ski, or swim in hidden holes	Rim Lakes (Woods Canyon), San Carlos Apache Lake
Fishing & Boating	Bass, trout galore; rentals available	Roosevelt Lake, Tonto Fish Hatchery (peek at baby trout!)
Off-Road Thrills	ATV trails through canyons	Apache Trail, Granite Dells boulders
Climbing & Biking	250+ routes at Homestead Rock; MTB paths	Hells Gate, mountain trails
Stargazing & Birding	Dark skies in ozone-pure air; 200+ species	Mogollon Rim, Tonto Forest

Hunt big game (9 species) or camp under the stars—RV sites abound!

Cultural Experiences: Rodeo, Ghosts, and Rodeos (Yes, More Rodeos!)

Immerse in our Western soul:

• World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo (Payson, Aug): Bucking broncos and cowboy poetry since 1884—family fun with chili cook-offs!
• Ghost Tours of Globe: Hunt spooks in historic haunts with kid-friendly guides—eerie tales from mining ghosts.
• Native American Sites: San Carlos Apache Center for crafts and stories; scattered ruins for quiet reflection.
• Museums Galore: Gila County Historical Museum (mining relics), Pine-Strawberry Museum (pioneer artifacts), Pleasant Valley Museum (feud lore).