National Register Listing

Kay-El-Bar Ranch

N of Wickenburg on Rincon Rd., Wickenburg, AZ
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Literature; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

commerce literature performing arts
Arizona was a hotbed of Old West outlaws: In the late 1800s, Arizona was a hotbed of Old West outlaws, including the likes of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton Gang. The infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which involved Wyatt Earp and his brothers, took place in Tombstone, Arizona in 1881.
Arizona random facts
Yavapai County, located in the central part of Arizona, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Yavapai and Apache. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and cultivating crops, leaving behind a legacy of ancient ruins and rock art.

In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the rich deposits of gold and other minerals. This led to the founding of several mining towns, such as Prescott, which became the county seat in 1864. The discovery of gold in the nearby Bradshaw Mountains also led to a surge in population and economic growth. Yavapai County quickly became one of the major mining districts in the Arizona Territory.

However, the mining boom was accompanied by conflicts with the Native American tribes who resisted the encroachment on their lands. The Apache Wars, which lasted from the 1860s to the 1880s, saw intense fighting between the tribes and the US military. Eventually, the tribes were either forcibly relocated or placed on reservations, marking a turning point in the region's history.

In the 20th century, Yavapai County continued to develop and diversify its economy. Agriculture, ranching, and tourism played an increasingly vital role in the county's growth. Today, Yavapai County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including parts of the Prescott National Forest and the Verde River. It remains an important hub for outdoor activities, cultural events, and historical tourism, showcasing its diverse heritage and unique blend of Native American and Western influences.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Yavapai County, Arizona.

  • 1864 - Yavapai County is created by the Arizona Territorial Legislature.
  • 1877 - The county seat is moved from Prescott to Ironton, but later returned to Prescott in 1879.
  • 1883 - Jerome is founded as a mining camp, becoming one of the largest copper mines in Arizona.
  • 1891 - Congress establishes the Prescott National Forest, protecting the region's natural resources.
  • 1895 - The Yavapai County Courthouse is built in Prescott, serving as a symbol of local government.
  • 1915 - The Arizona Pioneers' Home is opened in Prescott, providing care for elderly pioneers.
  • 1942 - The Poston War Relocation Center is established during World War II for Japanese Americans.
  • 1975 - Yavapai College is founded, becoming an important educational institution in the county.
  • 1991 - The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe is formally recognized by the United States government.
  • 2002 - The Prescott National Forest experiences the Indian Fire, one of the largest wildfires in Arizona's history.