Fascinating Florence, AZ: Not Just a Prison Town

Florence began as a small rural desert town. In 1875 a major silver strike and designation as Pinal County seat changed the character of the town. Despite the past tales of shootouts and stage robberies that echo off the historic adobe walls, many people still find Florence the essence of a “small town” that is rapidly disappearing in Arizona. Learn how Florence’s unique historic district also reflects the wisdom of architectural response to desert environment. This presentation will highlight some of the colorful characters who called Florence home and reveal what continues to attract people to this off-the-beaten-path Arizona treasure.

H. Christine Reid is intrigued by Arizona’s diverse and rich western heritage as a writer and researcher at the Pinal County Historical Society. She has been a Community Scholar for the ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute since 2007. She continues a deep interest in Arizona history while serving on many of the town of Florence’s heritage and historic preservation projects. She leads cemetery and historic district walking tours in Florence. Committed to sharing history in a lively manner, she presents the sometimes hidden or forgotten aspects of Arizona’s characters and history.