COTTONWOOD

The Geographical Center of Arizona

The first permanent settler in Cottonwood, James Oliver Bristow, arrived in the area in 1875. His family lived in a dugout he built until he could build a more comfortable house. The area’s fertile soil drew more settlers to the area.

Soldiers from Fort Whipple in Prescott were sent to the area in 1879 to protect the settlers in Verde Valley. The soldiers built their headquarters along the Verde River. It was later converted to the first schoolhouse.

The name came from a circle of sixteen cottonwoods near the Verde River

Today Cottonwood is a friendly, fast-growing community.

Cottonwood is the center of it all. From the red rocks of Sedona to Mingus Mountain, accessability is at its peak in this simple, retirement community, also well known for its attraction of tourists and families looking for a peaceful place to settle down.

The Verde River flows through the town. Cottonwood is bordered on the south, east and west by high mountains and on the north by mesas and buttes.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Population
8,845 (excluding Verde Village)

Founded
1879, incorporated in 1960

Points of Interest

• The Verde River supports the lush green habitat of one of Cottonwood’s main aquatic homes.

• River Front Park provides a playground for the little ones, ball parks for the sports fans, batting cages, and access to the Verde River

• Old Town is a flash to the past with turn of the century style buildings, antiques and gift shops, art galleries, and more.

• Dead Horse Ranch State Park supplies Cottonwood with camping grounds, wonderful walks by the river, and a pond for fishing as well as simply relaxing, and enjoying the famous Arizona sun. The park covers 328 acres and is at an elevation of 3,300 feet. Lush riparian habitat and abundant wildlife are found at the park. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is best known for its bird watching. The Verde River attracts many migratory birds. There are 130 different kinds of birds living in the park. Blue herons, mallards and other water birds have been spotted in the area. There are several walking trails along the bank of the Verde River. While walking through the park be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife. There is also both pond and stream fishing areas.

• The Clemenceau Heritage Museum is the place to go if you are a railroad buff. This museum has historical displays, including model trains. You will want to spend some time in the area with model trains in operation. The museum is located in the historic Clemenceau School. The school was in operation during 1924 through 1986. The school was named after the French Premier Georges Clemenceau.