History of Graham County, Arizona
Introduction to Graham County
Graham County, located in southeastern Arizona, boasts a rich history shaped by the Indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, and American settlers. The region has seen diverse cultural influences, from the Apache tribes to Spanish missionaries and, later, Mormon settlers. Established in 1881, the county was named after Mount Graham, a prominent peak in the area. Agriculture, mining, and ranching have been central to its development, with these industries driving the economy for much of its history. Over the years, the county has grown to become a region known for its natural beauty, including hot springs, mountains, and a wealth of historic landmarks.
County Facts
- Founded: March 10, 1881
- Population: Approximately 38,079 (2020 Census)
- Area: 4,641 square miles (12,020 km²)
- Area Codes: 928
- ZIP Codes: 85546, 85548, 85552, 85535
- County Seat: Safford
- Major Cities: Safford, Pima, Thatcher
- Famous Landmarks: Mount Graham, Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, San Carlos Apache Reservation, Roper Lake State Park, Frye Mesa Reservoir
Early History of Graham County
Pre-Colonial Era (Pre-1500)
Before European exploration, the area now known as Graham County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Mogollon, and Hohokam. The Mogollon culture, which dates back to about 200 AD, established complex communities along the Gila River, practicing irrigation farming. The Hohokam were notable for their sophisticated canal systems, while the Apache were semi-nomadic, utilizing the region’s diverse landscapes for hunting and gathering.
Spanish Exploration and Missionaries (1500s-1700s)
In the late 1500s, Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, passed through the region during expeditions to find the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. By the late 1600s, Spanish missionaries began establishing missions to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a prominent Jesuit priest, traveled through Arizona, introducing livestock, crops, and Christianity to local tribes. Despite these efforts, Spanish influence remained limited in Graham County due to the resistance of the Apache.
American Settlement and Territorial Period (1800s)
Mexican and American Control (1821-1848)
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the land that is now Graham County became part of the Mexican state of Sonora. However, after the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded much of the Southwest to the United States, including the present-day Graham County.
Gadsden Purchase (1853)
The Gadsden Purchase of 1853 was a pivotal moment for the region, as it brought what is now southern Arizona, including Graham County, under U.S. control. The purchase allowed the U.S. to build a southern transcontinental railroad and provided opportunities for American settlers to expand into the area. This period saw an increase in both settlement and conflicts with local Apache tribes, who resisted encroachment on their lands.
Formation of Graham County (1881)
Graham County was officially established on March 10, 1881, after being carved out of Pima County. It was named after Mount Graham, the highest peak in the area and a site of both cultural and geographical significance. The county’s economy initially relied on ranching, farming, and mining, all of which benefited from the county’s rich natural resources and its proximity to the Gila River.
Safford and Major Settlements
- Safford: Founded in 1874 by Mormon settlers, Safford quickly became the economic and political center of Graham County. It was named after Arizona’s fifth Territorial Governor, Anson P.K. Safford. The city became the county seat and remains so to this day.
- Thatcher: Another prominent Mormon settlement, Thatcher, was founded in 1881. Its close proximity to Safford allowed the two towns to grow in parallel, with Thatcher known for its agricultural development.
- Pima: Pima, established in 1879, was founded by Mormon pioneers as a farming community. Its economy revolved around cotton farming, which played a crucial role in the county’s development.
Apache Wars (1860s-1886)
The late 19th century was marked by a series of conflicts known as the Apache Wars, as the U.S. Army and settlers clashed with the Apache tribes who resisted displacement. Leaders like Geronimo became symbolic figures of Apache resistance. The conflicts continued until Geronimo’s surrender in 1886, marking the end of the wars and the establishment of reservations, including the nearby San Carlos Apache Reservation, which remains an important part of Graham County’s cultural landscape today.
20th Century Development
Agriculture and Irrigation (1900-1930s)
With the beginning of the 20th century, agriculture became increasingly important to the county’s economy. The introduction of modern irrigation techniques transformed the arid region into productive farmland, with cotton becoming one of the most significant crops. Dams and irrigation canals were built to harness water from the Gila River, allowing for sustained agricultural growth.
The Safford Valley, in particular, became a center for farming, producing not only cotton but also alfalfa, wheat, and other crops. This era of agricultural expansion helped Graham County grow in population and prosperity.
Great Depression and World War II (1930s-1940s)
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardship to Graham County, as it did to much of the United States. Agricultural prices fell, and many farmers struggled to make a living. However, the onset of World War II revitalized the local economy, with many young men from the county serving in the armed forces, and others finding work in war-related industries.
During the war, the region’s copper mines became a critical resource for the war effort. After the war, the Gila River was further developed for irrigation, continuing the county’s agricultural legacy.
Postwar Period and Modern Development (1950s-Present)
Post-War Boom (1950s-1970s)
The postwar years brought economic diversification to Graham County. In addition to agriculture, mining remained an important industry. Copper mining, in particular, provided jobs and economic growth throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
This period also saw improvements in infrastructure, including roads and schools, as well as the development of local colleges, such as Eastern Arizona College, which became a central educational institution for the region.
Environmental Conservation and Growth (1980s-Present)
By the 1980s, environmental conservation became an increasingly important issue in Graham County, with the creation of several protected areas, including the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Mount Graham, a site of both ecological and cultural importance, also became the center of a long-running environmental controversy in the 1990s, when an international observatory was proposed. Despite opposition from conservationists and the San Carlos Apache tribe, the observatory was eventually built.
Today, the county continues to grow and evolve, with a population of around 38,079 people. Its economy remains reliant on agriculture, copper mining, and tourism. Visitors are drawn to the region’s natural beauty, from the scenic vistas of Mount Graham to the hot springs at Roper Lake State Park.
Landmarks and Attractions in Graham County
Mount Graham
Mount Graham, the highest peak in the Pinaleño Mountains, is a notable landmark in Graham County. Standing at 10,720 feet, the mountain is home to diverse ecosystems, including some of the last remaining old-growth forests in Arizona. It is also sacred to the San Carlos Apache people, who consider the mountain spiritually significant.
Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area
The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, established in 1990, preserves over 20,000 acres of riparian habitats along the Gila River. The area is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, birdwatching, and rafting.
Roper Lake State Park
Roper Lake State Park, located just south of Safford, offers visitors the chance to enjoy camping, fishing, and swimming in a serene desert oasis. The park also features natural hot springs, making it a popular destination for relaxation.
San Carlos Apache Reservation
The San Carlos Apache Reservation, established in 1872, spans parts of Graham, Gila, and Pinal counties. Home to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the reservation has a rich cultural history and offers visitors opportunities to learn about Apache traditions, arts, and ceremonies.
