La Plaza Vieja

Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale was commissioned to survey the 35th Parallel for a wagon road, leading to the creation of the Beale Wagon Road. This route became a vital path for westward expansion.

Antoine Leroux served as a guide for government expeditions along the 35th Parallel, aiding in the exploration and mapping of the region.

Gold was discovered around Prescott, prompting the construction of a road from the Beale Wagon Road to Prescott to connect the mines to the cross-country route. The Overland Road began near the field behind what is now Mount Elden Middle School (MEMS) at Cedar Avenue and Fourth Street, stretching towards the Flagstaff Medical Center area […]

New Mexican families migrated to Flagstaff to herd sheep and work on the railroad, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.

Thomas F. McMillan constructed the first permanent housing at the base of Mars Hill, marking the beginnings of settled life in the region.

The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was built, significantly impacting the development and economy of Flagstaff and La Plaza Vieja.

Railroad surveyors established a camp at the base of Mars Hill near the spring to supply the railroad with necessary water. The 1880 census recorded 67 people and 27 households in the area. Yavapai County established a voting precinct at “Flag Staff,” recognizing the growing community.

The railroad built a depot half a mile east of the spring, leading to the development of “New Town” near the depot. Businesses, including a stone building by the Brannen family, sprang up around the depot. Old Town (La Plaza Vieja) and New Town existed as independent towns.

The Flagstaff Brewery was built and operated until 1892, contributing to the local economy.

A significant fire burned down all of Old Town (La Plaza Vieja). Commercial development shifted to New Town, which became the new commercial center—now downtown Flagstaff.