Prescott, County seat in Yavapai County, Arizona.
Prescott sits at an elevation of 1638 meters (5374 feet) among pine forests and granite mountains in central Arizona, about an hour and a half drive north of Phoenix. The town spreads around a rectangular plaza with lawns, old trees, and a courthouse from the late 1800s.
The town arose in 1864 as the seat of government for Arizona Territory and kept this role until the capital moved permanently to Phoenix in 1889. Gold seekers, soldiers, and officials lived here during the early years, managing the region and protecting against raids.
The bars and shops along central Whiskey Row carry names that recall the mining days and ranchers of the American West. Visitors find galleries showing regional art, restaurants serving local dishes, and small stores selling Arizona crafts and souvenirs.
The old town and central plaza are easy to walk around, while nearby hiking trails and viewpoints in the mountains require a car to reach. The climate is warm and dry in summer, with snow and cold nights possible in winter.
Each year in early July the World's Oldest Rodeo takes place here, a riding competition held since 1888 and among the oldest of its kind in North America. The event draws cowboys, riders, and spectators from several states and fills the old rodeo grounds at the edge of town.
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