The following is an excerpt from a great article in the American Planning Association website for Great Public Places in America (
visit link)
"The plaza's success is rooted in Prescott's original town site plat, which was recorded in 1864. The traditional grid pattern had as its centerpiece the 4.1-acre courthouse plaza. Adjoining the courthouse is the city's commercial district and businesses — many of which are located along Montezuma Street's historic Whiskey Row — that keep the area alive after 5 p.m.
That this historic district exists today is testament to the community's determination. A fire in 1900 destroyed eight blocks, including Whiskey Row, and resulted in $1.5 million in losses. Despite the fact that many merchants were uninsured, most rebuilt.
Today, these human-scale brick and masonry buildings provide the historic ambiance and context for the plaza. Eleven are listed in the National Register of Historic Places along with the granite, Neo-Classic Revival-style courthouse itself. In 2000, a historic preservation overlay district was enacted to preserve the downtown's architectural heritage. Any building modification, signage, or new construction requiring a building permit must be approved by the Prescott Preservation Commission.
While the courthouse itself has been built, relocated and rebuilt, and built again — most recently in 1916 — the plaza has evolved organically. Beginning in 1879, gravel walks were installed and trees were planted. In 1902, a fountain was added and, five years later, a bronze memorial statue was placed on the plaza. Considered one of the finest equestrian sculptures in the U.S., the statue honors members of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders who gathered at the plaza on May 4, 1898, before heading to San Antonio at the onset of the Spanish-American War. Several other statues have since been added.
More than 170 trees, including 127 American elms, grace the plaza. In addition to the extensive tree canopy, the plaza features large expanses of curbed grass lawn, interlocking pavers, a painted historic timeline, and a historic well and bandstand. Public restrooms were installed under the western steps. The north courthouse steps provide natural seating for performances. And it was from those steps that Barry Goldwater announced his candidacy for president in 1964.
The plaza hosts more than 130 activities annually. Dancing, outdoor movies, concerts, or poetry readings are attended by as few as 50 or as many as 600 people each weekday evening during the summer. The plaza is regularly home to joggers, workers on lunch break, dog walkers, tourists, Frisbee players, and parents pushing strollers."
NRHP District Link (
visit link)
Courthouse Plaza Historic District
(added 1978 - Yavapai County - #78003583)
Also known as See Also: Yavapai County Courthouse
Roughly Bounded by Gurley, Montezuma, Cortez and Goodwin Sts., Prescott
(170 acres, 26 buildings)
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: Late Victorian
Area of Significance: Politics/Government, Commerce, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade
Historic Sub-function: Business
Current Function: Commerce/Trade
Current Sub-function: Business