Apache County County, AZ
Apache County was carved from Yavapai County — one Arizona's original four counties — on February 24, 1879, by the 10th Territorial Legislative Assembly. Leaders of St. Johns and Globe had petitioned for their towns to be the county seat, but the honor went temporarily to Snowflake, with the provision that an election would determine the permanent county seat. In November 1879, on the strength of votes from the mining town of Clifton (now in Greenlee County), St. Johns was designated the county seat.Originally, Apache County encompassed all of present day Navajo County, part of Gila County and part of Graham County, but by 1895 its size had been reduced to the 11,216 square miles it occupies today. The Apache and Navajo Indian reservations cover more than 65.4 percent of the county, and 25 percent of the state's Native Americans live here. Approximately 21 percent is public land, and 13.2 percent is privately owned. All of Apache County is an Enterprise Zone.
The forested White Mountains and green pastures in the south of the county contrast sharply with the high, dry, colorful plateau region of the north. Excellent fishing, hunting and skiing make the White Mountains a year-round recreation area. Numerous archaeological sites are open to the public.
Fort Defiance, Arizona's first military post, the Town of Ganado, and Hubbell's famous trading post (now a National Historic Site) are located in northern Apache County on the Navajo Reservation. Chinle, another Indian trade center, is the gateway to the spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Also in Apache County are the spectacular Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert, Window Rock, the Navajo tribal capital, and Casa Malpais Archaeological site. The Apache Indian Reservation, located in the White Mountains around the settlement of Fort Apache, includes 25 excellent fishing lakes and the Sunrise park Ski Resort for outdoor recreation, as well as a highly successful lumber mill and a casino.
Explore Apache County County
Round Valley Ensphere
The Round Valley Ensphere is a dramatic manifestation of the vision and courage of the twin communities of Eagar and Springerville, Arizona. As a facility, it is the first high school field house enclosing a football field. With a diameter of 440 feet, it provides a field area of 113,000
Eagar, AZ LandmarksApache County Historical Society Museum
One of the finest museums in the White Mountains is located in St. Johns. The Apache County Historical Society Museum houses a variety of displays, including a set of prehistoric Wooly Mammoth tusks and a camels leg bone--both estimated to be approximately 24,000 years old!
St. Johns, AZ MuseumsCasa Malpais Indian Ruins
Casa Malpais, or "House of the Badlands", in the CASA MALPAIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK is surrounded by unusual beauty on a rim of volcanic rock overlooking the Little Colorado River's Round Valley. A breathtaking view of the White Mountains lies to the south.
Springerville, AZ ArchaeologyMadonna of the Trail
The Madonna of the Trail is one of twelve statues placed across the country in the 1930's to honor the Spirit of the Pioneer Woman. The 10
Springerville, AZ ArtsThe 26 Bar Ranch
The 26 Bar Ranch is steeped in the history of the Hereford industry. Back in the 1940'
Eagar, AZ LandmarksApache-Sitgreaves National Forests
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are managed as one of 11 National Forests in the Southwestern Region of Arizona and New Mexico. The National Forests are "AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS,"
Springerville, AZ National ForestsRaven Site Indian Ruins
Raven Site sits majestically above the Little Colorado River in the White Mountains area of Arizona. The prehistoric pueblo has revealed two kivas and more than 800 rooms. Occupied as early as A.D. 100 thru A.D. 1450
Springerville, AZ ArchaeologySpringerville Volcanic Field
1,158 square miles of volcanoes! The field containing 405 vents is the third largest of its type in the United States, about the size of Rhode Island.
Springerville, AZ Natural Attractions