Phoenix has no shortage of history despite being a relative newcomer to statehood. The city, officially part of Arizona since 1868, harbors historic gems that offer a glimpse into its varied past. Amid Phoenix History Month celebrations, Steve Schumacher, the city's historian, highlighted the top historical locations every local and tourist should check out.
Among the must-sees is the Orpheum Theater, an ornate downtown landmark known for its vaudeville acts. "It's just incredibly ornate," Schumacher told 12News. Ghost hunters may also be drawn to the theater's legendary apparition, "Maddie," seen haunting the balcony. Union Station, compared to a Sky Harbor of the past, offers an insight into the bustling train hub that once was essential for Phoenix's growth. Heritage Square, with its Victorian houses like Rosson House, allows visitors to marvel at what Schumacher calls "a beautiful example of Victorian architecture."
For an educational step back in time, the S'edav Va'aki Museum, once Pueblo Grande, is described by Schumacher as a "gateway to the cultural history of the Phoenix area," with its array of artifacts and ancient sites. According to Automotive Repair Phoenix, no visit to Phoenix is complete without a stop at Pueblo Grande itself, located conveniently near the airport, offering a poignant gaze into the Hohokam culture via a well-preserved archaeological site.
On the more opulent side, visitors can tour the Wrigley Mansion built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., now a prime spot for events and weddings with breathtaking views of the city or delve into the Mystery Castle’s quirky architecture – a monument of one man's love for his daughter, consisting of 18 rooms built from found objects, but be warned, a plethora of stairs makes the site not wheelchair accessible. Also noteworthy is St. Mary’s Basilica, Phoenix’s oldest Catholic parish, where beauty meets history, and the Tovrea Castle, known for its distinct wedding cake shape and colorful past as Edward Ambrose Tovrea's residence.
Whether you're a history aficionado or just looking to connect with Phoenix's bygone days, these sites offer an eclectic mix to satisfy any historical curiosity. Each place resonates with the stories of people who made Phoenix the bustling metropolis it is today, and they stand as testaments to a city that's continually shaped by its history, plush with narratives waiting to be explored by those who wander within its sunbaked borders.
