National Register Listing

PS Knoll Lookout Complex

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Maverick, AZ
Located in the Alpine Ranger District, this 45 ft 9 in high steel tower has a steel cab. This tower is an Aermotor Company MC-40 and was probably constructed by the CCC in 1933. The PS Knoll complex also includes a wood frame dwelling Plan B-26) and wood-frame storage shed (Plan B-6001) both constructed in 1939 and a wood-frame privy (Plan U-10) Constructed in 1940. Comparison with historic photographs taken in the early 1940s indicates that no remodeling has occurred on any of the structures at this site. The entire complex has retained its original integrity of design, construction, workmanship, materials, location, setting and association and is recommended for National Register eligibility. The boundary of the PS Knoll lookout complex is a square that measures 120 ft by 120 ft with the tower at the southeast corner of the property. The area surrounding the complex within the boundary is not considered a "buffer area," but is integral to the setting of the property.
Local significance of the structure:
Conservation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

conservation politics government architecture
The Bisbee Deportation was a dark period in Arizona's labor history: In 1917, the town of Bisbee was the site of a large-scale labor strike by copper miners. The strike was broken up by vigilantes who rounded up more than a thousand strikers, put them on trains, and sent them out of town. Many of the strikers were forced to walk back to Bisbee, and some were beaten and abused along the way.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.