Camp Verde

November 24 (Friday)

Our campground (Zane Grey RV Park) is located just a few miles outside of the town of Camp Verde. Instead of driving 50 or 60 miles out to see the sights we thought we should just see what Camp Verde had to offer.

This is a very nice, neat and clean town of roughly 11,000 people.

As the oldest community in the valley, the Town has a unique history, dating back to the early 1860′s.  Settlers first began migrating into the Verde Valley because of the mining industry.   The first military establishment was a temporary post overlooking the farms at West Clear Creek.   In 1865, the next post, Camp Lincoln was established.   In 1865 the name was changed to Camp Verde.  The post was moved to its present day site in 1871, due to the onset of a malaria outbreak.   In 1878, the name was changed to Fort Verde to signify permanence. The fort was occupied from 1871-1891; with the post officially closing in April of 1890.

From <http://www.campverde.az.gov/community/vision-statement-2/>

A walking tour of the town originates from the Visitor Center on Main Street. Here are some of the highlights:

Fort Verde buildings that remain and available to view.

The old Camp Verde Dance Hall ~ c1915

Stage stop and Boarding House ~c1875

A shooting victim of a robbery died in front of the fireplace in this building in 1898.

A 'license' for Tea Cup Sally. Can you see how she holds her tea cups!

Makes you want to sit a spell and chew some tobaccy!

Sutlers store ~c1871. The only general store, post office and telegraph office for 50 miles.

Much more modern building.....1915.

This little guy enjoying the sun.

An older couple drove away in this pristine T-bird.

You can get anything you want here!

Like a museum.

Outside Sutlers store....now a steakhouse and bar.

Honoring the mail riders

This was the Red Star Saloon and hotel. Not sure if Tea Cup Sally 'worked' here.

Boler's Bar ~c1933. Built of 1 x 12 over a foundation of limestone. It had no supporting studs and was built in three days by some enterprising young men of the day. Still standing though!

The old Jail. 1933

The old Grammar School (1914) and now the town visitor center.

A very pretty town with a great history!

We stopped for a few groceries and then home. We were treated to yet another gorgeous sunset…….

That was Our View From Here.......