Douglas Sonoran Historic District
Roughly bounded by the W side of H Ave. between Sixth and Ninth Sts., Douglas, AZThe significance of this district lies in its unique combination of traditional Sonoran architecture and twentieth-century building materials in structures dating from 1900 to 1935 in an area that is architecturally and socially distinct from the rest of the community. Locally produced gypsum cast-stone units were used in the construction of more than sixty percent of the buildings. Douglas boasts the largest known concentration of cast-stone buildings in the state.
The Sonoran Historic District had its origins in the founding of Douglas with construction dating from the first two decades of this century. The anonymity of the architecture is characteristic of the Sonoran building tradition. There are no architects or builders of record for this area. This section of town has received very little documentation over the years.
In the United States, the Sonoran style is exclusively an expression of the Southwest and is an extension of the Spanish Colonial architecture of Mexico. The term Sonoran is employed for identification because buildings of this general form and technology are found in the communities of Sonora, the northernmost state of Mexico. This building form was quite common in southern Arizona borderlands during the Territorial Period. It is primarily associated with the American Anglo culture.
In Douglas, the Sonoran quarter yields to the discipline of the rectangular grid of the 1901 town plan. The buildings are an appropriate urban expression in their direct relationship to the street. Private and common areas were located to the rear of the property. This site utilization contrasts sharply with the 'suburban' development found in the rest of the community.
The uniqueness of Douglas' Sonoran District lies in its translation of traditional Sonoran forms into early twentieth-century materials. Arizona's only known gypsum mine was located just north of the city and a plant to manufacture the units was constructed to the northwest of this particular district in 1900. Due to its availability and convenience, this material was readily utilized for local construction. During Douglas' depression years of the 1930s, the manufacturing plant ceased operations and the use of this material was discontinued.
Despite the growth and development of the city of Douglas, the Sonoran district has retained its streetscape and architectural integrity.
Local significance of the district:
The Sonoran Historic District had its origins in the founding of Douglas with construction dating from the first two decades of this century. The anonymity of the architecture is characteristic of the Sonoran building tradition. There are no architects or builders of record for this area. This section of town has received very little documentation over the years.
In the United States, the Sonoran style is exclusively an expression of the Southwest and is an extension of the Spanish Colonial architecture of Mexico. The term Sonoran is employed for identification because buildings of this general form and technology are found in the communities of Sonora, the northernmost state of Mexico. This building form was quite common in southern Arizona borderlands during the Territorial Period. It is primarily associated with the American Anglo culture.
In Douglas, the Sonoran quarter yields to the discipline of the rectangular grid of the 1901 town plan. The buildings are an appropriate urban expression in their direct relationship to the street. Private and common areas were located to the rear of the property. This site utilization contrasts sharply with the 'suburban' development found in the rest of the community.
The uniqueness of Douglas' Sonoran District lies in its translation of traditional Sonoran forms into early twentieth-century materials. Arizona's only known gypsum mine was located just north of the city and a plant to manufacture the units was constructed to the northwest of this particular district in 1900. Due to its availability and convenience, this material was readily utilized for local construction. During Douglas' depression years of the 1930s, the manufacturing plant ceased operations and the use of this material was discontinued.
Despite the growth and development of the city of Douglas, the Sonoran district has retained its streetscape and architectural integrity.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
About National Register Listings
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.
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.
About Cochise County
Cochise County Timeline
Cochise County, located in southeastern Arizona, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally home to various indigenous populations, including the Apache, Hohokam, and Sobaipuri people. These native groups lived off the land, hunting and practicing agricultural techniques, leaving behind remarkable artifacts and heritage sites.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios, seeking to convert the native people to Christianity and assert control over the area. However, conflicts between the Apache and Spanish colonizers were frequent, as the Apache fiercely defended their territory and resisted colonization.
In the mid-19th century, tensions escalated in Cochise County as white settlers encroached upon Apache lands. One of the most notable figures of this time was Cochise, a prominent Apache chief who resisted the encroachment and fought against the US Army. Notorious conflicts such as the Battle of Apache Pass and the Apache Wars became synonymous with the region's history.
The establishment of mining towns in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Cochise County. Silver, gold, and copper mines attracted a wave of immigrants, creating bustling towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. These towns prospered for several decades, but by the early 20th century, the mining industry declined, leading to economic hardships for the county.
Today, Cochise County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to attract visitors with its historical sites, including Tombstone's historic district and the Chiricahua National Monument, while embracing its Native American roots and celebrating the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios, seeking to convert the native people to Christianity and assert control over the area. However, conflicts between the Apache and Spanish colonizers were frequent, as the Apache fiercely defended their territory and resisted colonization.
In the mid-19th century, tensions escalated in Cochise County as white settlers encroached upon Apache lands. One of the most notable figures of this time was Cochise, a prominent Apache chief who resisted the encroachment and fought against the US Army. Notorious conflicts such as the Battle of Apache Pass and the Apache Wars became synonymous with the region's history.
The establishment of mining towns in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Cochise County. Silver, gold, and copper mines attracted a wave of immigrants, creating bustling towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. These towns prospered for several decades, but by the early 20th century, the mining industry declined, leading to economic hardships for the county.
Today, Cochise County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to attract visitors with its historical sites, including Tombstone's historic district and the Chiricahua National Monument, while embracing its Native American roots and celebrating the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region.
Cochise County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cochise County, Arizona.
- 1850: Cochise County lands become part of the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- 1860: The Butterfield Overland Mail establishes a stagecoach route through present-day Cochise County.
- 1861: Cochise County is officially established as a county in the Arizona Territory.
- 1877: Tombstone is founded and becomes one of the most prosperous mining towns in the region.
- 1881: The infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral takes place in Tombstone.
- 1886: Cochise County witnesses the surrender of Geronimo, marking the end of the Apache Wars.
- 1915: The Cochise County Courthouse in Bisbee is completed, reflecting the wealth and importance of the mining industry.
- 1961: The closure of the Bisbee copper mines leads to a decline in the county's economy.
- 2003: The border town of Douglas becomes a key entry point for drug smuggling from Mexico.