Prescott Valley’s Rich History

Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a unique and dynamic town. It is in the stunning Bradshaw Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding high desert terrain. Settlers found Prescott Valley while looking for gold in the early 20th century. The town has since grown into a vibrant community with plenty to offer its residents and visitors. Prescott Valley is the perfect place for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with an array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Prescott Valley is one of Arizona’s premier locations. 

Prescott Valley, Arizona, is a thriving family-oriented community located 85 miles north of Phoenix and sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Prescott Valley is a few minutes east of historic downtown Prescott. Prescott Valley was the seventh fastest-growing place among all cities and towns in Arizona between 1990 and 2000 and presently has approximately 50,000 people calling it home.

Strong in economic development, the community attracts retailers and restaurants such as Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, Chick-Fil-A, Sprouts, Hobby Lobby, Culvers, Popeyes, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a host of independent food and shopping choices.   

There is no shortage of places to spend leisure time in this vibrant town. Visit Fain Park for a picnic and fishing, enjoy the Mountain Valley Splash Pool, and take in special events such as Prescott Valley Days, Balloon Glow, and the Christmas Valley of Lights.   

Many people have chosen to buy homes and relocate to Prescott Valley because of its strong work ethic, solid educational system, family values, and positive outlook under sunny Arizona skies. The mild climate, convenient location, and surrounding lakes, fishing, and hiking trails make this popular community attractive for families and retirees.

PRESCOTT VALLEY’S HISTORY

Gold in Prescott Valley: The Walker party discovered gold along Lynx Creek in 1863. In the 1930s, a gold dredging operation, the Doodle Bug Diggings, was farther east in Lynx Creek Canyon. The Lynx Creek placers produced a recorded 29,000 troy ounces of gold. Estimates of the actual amount of gold produced were 80,000 troy ounces, which would be worth about $85 million at today’s prices.

Name Change: Prescott Valley was formerly known as Lonesome Valley. The area was settled by ranchers in the 1880s, raising beef to supply the miners and new settlers. The Fain family still ranch in the valley.

Fain Park: Thomas Gibson Barlow-Massicks arrived in the area in the early 1890s and built the historic “Castle” in Fain Park. The Castle still stands in Fain Park today. Messick’s had a hydraulic gold mining operation in Lynx Creek Canyon and built the company mining camp just east of his Victorian home, a.k.a. the Castle. 

Incorporation: In the mid-1960s, a real-estate company from Phoenix purchased land 10 miles east of Prescott, known as Lonesome Valley. In 1966, representatives from Prescott Valley Inc. began traveling to the Midwest to sell home lots. By 1978, more than 1,500 residents lived in the unincorporated area now known as Prescott Valley. In 1978, 80% of the voters of Prescott Valley voted for incorporation as a town.

If you would like to know more about the Prescott, Arizona, area, give me a call – I love to talk Prescott!  Kim Shaw 928.710.9148