Douglas Historic District
a.k.a. See Also:Gadsden Hotel;Grand Theatre
Roughly bounded by Pan American, H, and F Aves. along 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Sts. and G Ave., Douglas, AZThe Douglas Historic District encompasses the city's early twentieth-century commercial business district which has retained much of its original appearance and historic identity. Located in Arizona's southeastern corner, on the Mexican Border, Douglas is a major testimony to the extent and wealth of Arizona's copper industry. The district is comprised of a lineal streetscape of buildings dating from the initial founding of the City of Douglas in 1901, through the city's economic decline in the 1930s. The buildings in the district clearly convey the trends and styles of American commercial architecture during that period. Historically, the district is a result of the intense development of southeastern Arizona's copper resources (by the Phelps Dodge Company) at the turn of the century. Created at the site of a major copper smelter built to serve the regional mines, Douglas developed into southern Arizona's major center for copper production, as well as a distribution center for the area's ranching operations. Douglas's commercial district grew as the center of support and service functions and remains the focus of the city's economic activity.
Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.