Prescott was founded in 1863 and incorporated twenty years later in 1883. During the late 1800s, Prescott twice served as the territorial capital, and the Governor's Mansion is now preserved at the Sharlot Hall Museum.

In 1864, the town site of Prescott was surveyed and laid out along Granite Creek where gold had been panned. The town was designated the capital of the new territory of Arizona after Arizona was separated from New Mexico.

The early economy centered on cattle ranching and mining. In 1900, a fire destroyed Prescott's commercial district. Within hours, make-shift shelters were erected on the Courthouse Plaza and businesses began rebuilding. Following the fire, most buildings in the downtown area were reconstructed of brick, providing today's rich architectural heritage.

Major employers of the City of Prescott are: Sturm Ruger Manufacturing, County of Yavapai, Prescott Unified School District, U. S. Forest Service, City of Prescott, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Veterans Administration, State of Arizona, and Exsil. Dubbed "Everybody's Hometown", Prescott is home to the downtown Courthouse Plaza, famous Whiskey Row, World's Oldest Rodeo, Prescott Fine Arts Association, Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Art Museum, Folk Arts Fair, Frontier Days, and Territorial Days. It has been officially designated as "Arizona's Christmas City" by the State of Arizona.

Recreational opportunities abound for residents and tourists of Prescott. Five area lakes within 10 miles of downtown Prescott provide boating and fishing. The Prescott National Forest, which surrounds the city on three sides, contains myriad hiking trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

PRESCOTT NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION

PRESCOTT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 

YAVAPAI COUNTY PARKS