National Register Listing

Eagar School

a.k.a. Eagar Town Hall

174 S. Main St., Eagar, AZ
The Eagar Elementary School served the Arizona community of Eagar and its agricultural hinterland for fifty-three years by providing a substantial forum for the elementary education of its children. From the destruction of the original, frame schoolhouse by fire in 1930 to the decommissioning of this red-brick replacement in 1984 when it became the town hall, the Eagar Elementary School has stood as the physical manifestation of the importance of education to the community and as an example of the Mormon educational paradigm in Arizona. The period of significance relates to the time between the school's initial construction and the arbitrary 50-year cut-off for National Register Eligibility. This schoolhouse, therefore, is significant under Criterion A in the area of Education, because it provides a physical symbol of the relationship between Mormon communities in Arizona and the process of education in the twentieth-century American West. In addition its history also provides an instructive example for the development of the historic context of Mormon colonization in Arizona.
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education
Arizona was the last contiguous state to join the Union: Arizona became the 48th state in the US on February 14, 1912. It was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.
Arizona random facts
Apache County, located in northeastern Arizona, has a rich and colorful history that spans thousands of years. The area was historically home to various Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Apache, Zuni, and Hopi peoples. These tribes thrived in the region, adapting to the challenging desert environment and establishing trading networks with nearby tribes.

European exploration of Apache County began in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors, such as Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the area in search of gold and other resources. However, it was not until the 19th century that significant European settlement took place. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, the United States acquired present-day Arizona, including Apache County, from Mexico.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Apache County experienced a significant influx of settlers attracted by mining, ranching, and railroad construction. The discovery of mineral deposits, including copper, uranium, and coal, played a crucial role in the county's development. The towns of St. Johns, Springerville, and Holbrook, among others, emerged as important centers of economic activity, supporting the growth of the mining and ranching industries.

Apache County also played a significant role in the history of the Wild West. The area was part of the historic Butterfield Overland Mail Route, which facilitated communication and transportation between the East and West coasts. Notorious figures such as Billy the Kid and the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo also left their mark on the county's history, engaging in conflicts and battles that shaped the region's development.

Today, Apache County continues to embrace its diverse heritage, with a vibrant Native American culture coexisting alongside more recent settlers. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, cultural events, and historical landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Apache County, Arizona.

  • 1879 - Apache County is established on February 24, 1879, as one of the original four counties of the Arizona Territory.
  • 1880 - The county seat is designated as St. Johns, which becomes the oldest continuously inhabited community in Arizona.
  • 1881 - The town of Holbrook is founded and quickly becomes a hub for the region's livestock industry.
  • 1882 - The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad completes a line through Winslow, bringing increased transportation and economic opportunities to the area.
  • 1889 - The famous Pleasant Valley War, a deadly feud between cattlemen, reaches its peak in Apache County.
  • 1931 - The iconic Petrified Forest National Monument is established within the county's boundaries, preserving unique geological formations and fossilized trees.
  • 1964 - The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is established, providing recreational opportunities and protecting important wildlife habitats.
  • 1986 - Apache County experiences a major economic boom when the Navajo Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant, begins operations.
  • 2005 - The Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is established, featuring scenic attractions such as the spectacular Antelope Canyon.