Arizona
For being the last of the contiguous states to gain statehood, Arizona has quite a history. For the record, Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912. So, if you’re staying with us in Arizona, check out these historic places in the Grand Canyon State!
Jerome: the land which is now Jerome was originally settled by the Hohokam Indians, then became part of the Spanish territory called New Mexico in the late 1500s. Once Mexico gained its independence from Spain it became part of Mexico and eventually part of the United States due to the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. By the 1870s, Jerome was fast becoming a mining town due to its rich copper deposits and remained a booming mining town until shortly after the Great Depression. By the 1950s, it was a ghost town. Today, however, Jerome is a thriving tourist attraction outside Sedona and is the perfect mix of historic buildings, haunted dwellings, boutiques, art galleries and eateries. (Plan to stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley to experience Jerome).
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park: It’s historic for sure but also haunted. If you’re camping at our Yuma locations, consider a visit to this attraction that housed some of the area’s most notorious criminals from 1876 to 1909. Inmates served time from crime including cattle rustling, stagecoach robbing, and murder! Visitors can walk the cell blocks, visit the guard tower, and learn plenty of history about the Wild Wild West!
McFarland State Historic Park: Visit here to see historic buildings dating back to the days of the Arizona Territory in the late 1800s. Arizona’s oldest standing courthouse, built in 1878, is here as well as a museum that has artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of the Arizona Territory and life at that time. Stay at Encore Casita Verde to visit.
Tubac: Established as a Spanish presidio (fort) in 1752, Tubac was part of the Camino Real, or Royal Road, which connected all the Spanish settlements with Mexico. Through the years it survived many attacks by the Comanche Indians and in 1861 was the site of a 4-day siege between the Confederate Army, the Comanches and Tubac militia. The Confederate troops were the victors but eventually left the settlement which was then taken over by Union troops and became a mining boom town. Once Arizona became a state and the mining boom waned, Tubac shifted to an agricultural and tourism economy. Today, Tubac is a thriving artisans town rich in history with art galleries, shops and boutiques, and outdoor opportunities for birding, biking, horseback riding and hiking. Don’t miss the Tumacori Mission located in the Tumacori National Historical Park where visitors can explore the grounds and learn the history of the mission which was built in the 18th century. Stay at Voyager RV Resort to visit Tubac.
- Click here for the perfect presents for the camper in your life
- Who can resist a delicious pumpkin recipe to savor this fall?
- You can’t miss the best trails to hike on Take a Hike Day!
- Hot fun in the wintertime is in store for those who flock south for the season!
- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.
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