39 SEPTEMBER 2023

40 SEPTEMBER 2023 P rescott is a real cowboy town filled with true stories of gunslingers, gamblers, lawmen and desperados. The city celebrates – and embraces – its past, everything from the bullet holes, the hauntings, the brothels, and a famous bar that survived the Whiskey Row fire. The Palace, which opened in 1877, is the oldest saloon in the state. It was a favorite spot for some of Arizona’s most legendary residents, like Doc Holiday and Wyatt and Virgil Earp, who were always ready to drink or gamble. On July 14, 1900, Prescott was ablaze. Five blocks of the downtown area were destroyed. Saloons, banks, and other buildings were demolished, yet a precious part of the town’s most frequented watering hole was carried to safety. As the fire raged around them, loyal patrons of The Palace moved the “Brunswick bar” out the door, where they had an ox help drag it across the street. They didn’t miss a beat, and the bartenders just kept serving. Nearly 150 years later, The Palace is still open for business on Whiskey Row. The community rallied around another famous watering hole in 2012 when flames gutted the Bird Cage Saloon. Like a Phoenix, the business rose from the ashes, and with the help of Prescott residents, the owner was able to rebuild and reopen – yet another example of the town’s fortitude and loyalty. Politics also play a big part in Prescott’s history. The town was designated as Arizona’s first territorial capitol in 1864. Before then, there was no town in the area. President Lincoln decided on the designation because gold and silver were found in Prescott. He wanted to keep it in Union hands. Prescott has yet another distinction, as Arizona’s official “Christmas City.” The annual lighting of the courthouse square and the Christmas parade is a front-row seat to small-town charm and tradition. Prescott is also home to the World’s Oldest Rodeo, which started in 1888. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts worldwide come out every year to celebrate the weeklong festivities at Prescott Frontier Days. Fans cheer on the best of the best, from steer wrestling to bareback riding, roping to barrel racing, to bronco and bull riding. The World’s Oldest Rodeo isn’t just a professional sporting event; it’s a production. Think Super Bowl Sunday times eight. That’s how many times these athletes and acts perform. Even cowgirls are getting their due, as Prescott paves the way for women in breakaway roping, which the rodeo added in 2021. Prescott is full of color, with statues commemorating and celebrating the cowboy culture of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Visitors will find history, heritage, and hometown pride in the heart of Arizona. ‘Everybody’s Hometown’ is just a short drive from Phoenix Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures The World’s Oldest Rodeo started in 1888 in Prescott. CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL 1/4 V Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available HELP US WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8