History of Coconino County, Arizona
Coconino County, located in northern Arizona, is the second-largest county in the United States by land area. Established in 1891, it is home to diverse landscapes, from the towering San Francisco Peaks to the iconic Grand Canyon. Rich in indigenous history, the county was home to Native American tribes long before the arrival of European settlers. With the development of railroads and tourism, particularly around the Grand Canyon, Coconino County grew into a key region for transportation, mining, and recreation. Today, it remains an important center for natural conservation, education, and tourism.
County Facts
- Founded: February 18, 1891
- Population: Approximately 145,101 (as of 2020 Census)
- Area: 18,661 square miles
- Area Code: 928
- ZIP Codes: 86001-86047, 86052, 86053, 86055
- County Seat: Flagstaff
- Major Cities: Flagstaff, Page, Williams
- Famous Landmarks:
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
- San Francisco Peaks
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Wupatki National Monument
Early History of Coconino County (Pre-1800s)
Indigenous Inhabitants
Coconino County’s history begins long before European settlers arrived. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ancestral Puebloans, Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and Navajo (Diné). These indigenous groups left behind a rich cultural legacy, evident in the ruins, petroglyphs, and ceremonial sites scattered throughout the area. The Ancestral Puebloans (also known as Anasazi) constructed cliff dwellings and developed irrigation systems to sustain their agricultural lifestyle in the arid environment.
The Hopi people, whose history in the region stretches back over a millennium, built multi-story villages on mesa tops and farmed corn, beans, and squash. The Navajo, whose lands now cover parts of Coconino County, arrived later and developed a pastoral lifestyle, herding sheep and goats across the vast plateau.
Spanish Exploration (1500s)
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers, such as Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the region in search of gold and riches. However, the Spanish influence in northern Arizona remained limited, as they were more focused on the wealthier regions of Mexico and the American Southwest. During this time, the indigenous people of Coconino County had limited contact with European settlers.
Mexican Rule and American Expansion (1821-1863)
Mexican Control (1821-1848)
When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, northern Arizona, including present-day Coconino County, became part of Mexican territory. However, due to its remote location and difficult terrain, the Mexican government exerted little control over the area, and the indigenous peoples continued to live relatively undisturbed by Mexican authorities.
U.S. Acquisition and Territorial Days (1848-1863)
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848 following the Mexican-American War, ceded much of the American Southwest, including Arizona, to the United States. This marked the beginning of U.S. control over the region. The discovery of gold and the expansion of the railroad led to an influx of settlers into the area. By 1863, Arizona was officially established as a U.S. territory, and American settlers began to explore the natural resources of the region.
Establishment of Coconino County (1891)
Economic Growth and Development
Coconino County was officially formed on February 18, 1891, when it was split from Yavapai County due to its large size and growing population. Flagstaff was designated as the county seat, as it had become a booming town along the railroad line.
Lumber Industry and Railroads
The railroad played a crucial role in the development of Coconino County, particularly in Flagstaff. The region’s dense forests provided timber for the growing cities of the American West, and lumber became one of the area’s most important industries. The arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later part of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway) in the 1880s further fueled growth. Flagstaff became a key stop for trains transporting goods and people between the eastern U.S. and California.
The Rise of Tourism and Conservation (1900-1950)
Grand Canyon National Park (1919)
One of the most significant events in the history of Coconino County was the designation of the Grand Canyon as a national park in 1919. Long considered one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon drew visitors from around the globe. The park’s establishment as a protected area brought a boom in tourism, which remains a central part of the county’s economy today.
The creation of the Grand Canyon Railway in 1901 made it easier for visitors to reach the park from Flagstaff and Williams, further boosting tourism. Over the next few decades, the Grand Canyon became one of the most visited national parks in the United States, bringing a steady stream of revenue to Coconino County.
Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments (1920s)
In addition to the Grand Canyon, Coconino County is home to other significant landmarks, including Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument. These sites, established in the 1920s, preserve ancient indigenous ruins and volcanic landscapes. They provide important insights into the history of the region’s earliest inhabitants and offer additional attractions for visitors.
Post-War Development and Modern Growth (1950-Present)
Education and Science: Lowell Observatory
Coconino County has also played a significant role in scientific discovery. Lowell Observatory, founded in Flagstaff in 1894 by Percival Lowell, became a world-renowned center for astronomical research. The observatory is famous for its discovery of Pluto in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Today, it remains a major hub for research and public outreach in astronomy.
Flagstaff was also designated as the world’s first “International Dark Sky City” in 2001, underscoring the region’s commitment to preserving its clear skies for scientific research and stargazing.
Economic Diversification
While tourism continues to be the dominant industry in Coconino County, the economy has diversified in recent decades. Flagstaff, home to Northern Arizona University (founded in 1899), has become a center for education and research, while industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology have also grown.
The county’s natural beauty, including its forests, mountains, and parks, makes it a desirable location for both residents and visitors. Outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and camping, draws thousands of tourists each year, contributing to the local economy.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its vast and breathtaking landscapes, formed by the Colorado River, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a central part of Coconino County’s identity.
San Francisco Peaks
The San Francisco Peaks, located near Flagstaff, are the highest mountains in Arizona. The peaks, which include Humphreys Peak, are sacred to several Native American tribes and are popular destinations for hiking, skiing, and sightseeing.
Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory is a renowned astronomical research institution. Its discovery of Pluto and contributions to planetary science have cemented its place in history.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano erupted around 1085 AD, reshaping the landscape of Coconino County. The national monument preserves this volcanic history and provides hiking trails through the unique lava fields and cinder cones.
Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument is home to ancient pueblos and ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans. The site preserves the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the region.
