A History of Cottonwood
By Roger Naylor
Cottonwood and the rest of the Verde Valley, have long been home to Native Americans, particularly the Sinagua and later the Yavapai and Apache. “The Cottonwoods” originated as a campground and stopover for travelers near one of the three main crossings of the Verde River. In the 1870s, a few hearty settlers began to sink more permanent roots.
A lime kiln was constructed in the mid-1880s to burn limestone and create lime for the mortar used in the construction of the earliest homes in the area. Cottonwood’s first house, built by Charles and G.M. “Mack” Willard for their widowed mother, still stands in Old Town, the historic heart of Cottonwood.
Originally the area was a farming community supplying goods to the soldiers of Camp Verde and later to the miners in Jerome. The town developed a mercantile trade as mining activity in Jerome flourished. Neighboring Clarkdale and Clemenceau were established as company towns controlled by the same powerful men who operated the mines. Folks wanting to start a business, own some property or those who simply chafed under the weight of regulations migrated to Cottonwood.
More businesses sprang up as Cottonwood evolved into the commercial hub of the Verde Valley. After a devastating fire in 1925, concrete sidewalks replaced wooden boardwalks and most businesses were rebuilt using cast concrete. Prohibition-era buildings fronted by covered sidewalks infuse Old Town with a distinctive style. Careful preservation landed Old Town a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Cottonwood still functions as the thriving commercial center for the region. While continuing to grow, the town has taken thoughtful steps to retain a small town charm. Retail establishments, both national chains and local companies, call Cottonwood home. Medical facilities and professional services are readily available while Old Town has emerged as a thriving entertainment district, filled with restaurants, shops and art galleries.
To learn more about the history of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley:
Tuzigoot National Monument – A dramatic hilltop Sinagua pueblo dating back hundreds of years. The site also includes hiking trails and a complete museum. (928) 634-5564 or www.nps.gov/tuzi/.
Clemenceau Heritage Museum – Maintained and operated by volunteers, the museum preserves and displays the artifacts and heritage of the Verde Valley. (928) 634-2868 or www.clemenceaumuseum.org.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park – The remains of the original lime kiln are located here. At the end of the 19th century, more people moved to the Verde Valley and traffic to the kiln increased. It eventually became the main travel route between Jerome and Sedona. Pioneers who settled along Oak Creek hauled their goods, wine and produce over the Lime Kiln Cut-Off to sell to grocery stores in Jerome. The road was used for over two decades before the advent of automobiles made it impractical. In 2006, the Lime Kiln Historic Wagon Trail, a multi-use recreational trail, was officially dedicated, stretching 15 miles between Red Rock State Park and Dead Horse. (928) 634-5283 or click here for more info.
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