Sedona Arizona history and historical information
History of Sedona
Weather - Elevation - Temperatures
In 1876, the first white settlers arrived in the Verde Valley. By 1902, there were still only 20 families due to the remoteness of the area. In a few years, a postal station was opened by T.C. Schnebly, who began delivering the mail.Ê His wife's name was Sedona.Ê In her honor he named his new post office, Sedona.Ê In the 1950's, many artists were drawn by the beauty of the area, included surrealist, Max Ernst. Local artists organized the Cowboy Artists of America in Sedona in 1965.
The settling of Sedona: 1876
The founding of Sedona: 1902
The incorporation date of Sedona is 1988 .
The population of Sedona is approximately 15,500 (1995) and the approximate number of families is 4,658 . As of 2003 the population is well over 20,00 and growing rapidly.
The amount of land area in Sedona is 50.89 sq. kilometers.
Sedona location: 120 miles north of Phoenix
Sedona average annual rainfall is 17.15 (precipitation) inches per year.
The average low temperature is 45.7 degrees F. The average high temperature is 74.4 degrees F.
Sedona elevation is 4,400 feet above sea level.
There are two Sedona landmarks, which were created by men, but destined to be forever associated with the city and area of Sedona.The first is: Chapel of The Holy Cross, a church described as "a spiritual fortress," "rising like a shrine out of the desert." It was completed in 1956. The second is:Tlaquepaque, a 4 1/2 acre enclave of authentic-looking colonial Mexican buildings, with nature preserved.The architects built around the sycamores, cypress, and other trees.Tlaquepaque is a center for art, which is art in itself. In December, its "Festival of Lights" celebrates the Christmas Season with candle lit luminaries spaced throughout the area.
When the archeologists discovered Palatki, most of us had never heard of it. When it was vandalized a few years ago, many of us wondered what we had been missing. Palatki is the "archaeological remains of native cultures that have inhabited the Verde Valley for at least the past 6000 years. Found here are cliff dwellings constructed by the Southern Sinagua people, who inhabited the area from about 650 A.D. to around 1300 A.D. Palatki (Hopi for 'red house') is home to one of these dwellings, sheltered in a Supai sandstone overhang." About Palatki tells us more. It is located near us. Time to give our 4-wheel drive truck some action. Here is more information: How to get to Palatki There is even a detailed map. And, please note that every third Sunday there is a special reason for visiting the site. As for those early inhabitants; Where Did They Go?
Sedona has become an artists' showcase and home for creative effort. Few homes do not exhibit works by one or more artists.The Cowboy Artists became a reality when it was founded over a few beers one night in 1965 in the Oak Creek Tavern of Sedona. Joe Beeler, one of its founders, lives and works in Sedona. It's rumored he continues to paint and sculpt in his Sedona studio. In 1987, Sedona was no longer a village with modest ambition. It had become a city with a plan for growth. However, along with the growth came problems with traffic, pollution, and sewer management!
In 1995, a sculpture of Sedona, the pioneer, was unveiled and dedicated, to stand in front of the new Sedona Library. Its artist, Susan Kliewer, created the work using Sedona's granddaughter, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, as her model.
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Sedona Arizona history and historical information
History of Sedona
Weather - Elevation - Temperatures
In 1876, the first white settlers arrived in the Verde Valley. By 1902, there were still only 20 families due to the remoteness of the area. In a few years, a postal station was opened by T.C. Schnebly, who began delivering the mail.Ê His wife's name was Sedona.Ê In her honor he named his new post office, Sedona.Ê In the 1950's, many artists were drawn by the beauty of the area, included surrealist, Max Ernst. Local artists organized the Cowboy Artists of America in Sedona in 1965.
The settling of Sedona: 1876
The founding of Sedona: 1902
The incorporation date of Sedona is 1988 .
The population of Sedona is approximately 15,500 (1995) and the approximate number of families is 4,658 . As of 2003 the population is well over 20,00 and growing rapidly.
The amount of land area in Sedona is 50.89 sq. kilometers.
Sedona location: 120 miles north of Phoenix
Sedona average annual rainfall is 17.15 (precipitation) inches per year.
The average low temperature is 45.7 degrees F. The average high temperature is 74.4 degrees F.
Sedona elevation is 4,400 feet above sea level.
There are two Sedona landmarks, which were created by men, but destined to be forever associated with the city and area of Sedona.The first is: Chapel of The Holy Cross, a church described as "a spiritual fortress," "rising like a shrine out of the desert." It was completed in 1956. The second is:Tlaquepaque, a 4 1/2 acre enclave of authentic-looking colonial Mexican buildings, with nature preserved.The architects built around the sycamores, cypress, and other trees.Tlaquepaque is a center for art, which is art in itself. In December, its "Festival of Lights" celebrates the Christmas Season with candle lit luminaries spaced throughout the area.
When the archeologists discovered Palatki, most of us had never heard of it. When it was vandalized a few years ago, many of us wondered what we had been missing. Palatki is the "archaeological remains of native cultures that have inhabited the Verde Valley for at least the past 6000 years. Found here are cliff dwellings constructed by the Southern Sinagua people, who inhabited the area from about 650 A.D. to around 1300 A.D. Palatki (Hopi for 'red house') is home to one of these dwellings, sheltered in a Supai sandstone overhang." About Palatki tells us more. It is located near us. Time to give our 4-wheel drive truck some action. Here is more information: How to get to Palatki There is even a detailed map. And, please note that every third Sunday there is a special reason for visiting the site. As for those early inhabitants; Where Did They Go?
Sedona has become an artists' showcase and home for creative effort. Few homes do not exhibit works by one or more artists.The Cowboy Artists became a reality when it was founded over a few beers one night in 1965 in the Oak Creek Tavern of Sedona. Joe Beeler, one of its founders, lives and works in Sedona. It's rumored he continues to paint and sculpt in his Sedona studio. In 1987, Sedona was no longer a village with modest ambition. It had become a city with a plan for growth. However, along with the growth came problems with traffic, pollution, and sewer management!
In 1995, a sculpture of Sedona, the pioneer, was unveiled and dedicated, to stand in front of the new Sedona Library. Its artist, Susan Kliewer, created the work using Sedona's granddaughter, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, as her model.
Weather forecast * The Naming of * Pictures * Sedona Arizona History *Photos From the air *Visitor Information* Tour Cd * Hiking
Home
Alehzon Sacred Healing Tours, Spiritual Retreats Shamanic Psychic Soul Reading / Counseling
Tours | Retreats | Quest For Vision
Spiritual Healing | Psychic Soul Reader / Shaman Healer | Vortex Energy|Pictures |Shamanic Counseling
Time Expeditions
Links
Things to Do in Sedona
Art, History & Culture
Learn about Sedona AZ history at the many Sedona art, heritage and culture experiences in Sedona. Explore the lives of the ancient people through ancient Sedona art, petroglyphs and Indian ruins. Or immerse yourself in modern Sedona history that spans the last century - from the first pioneer settlers to the golden days of Hollywood to current masterworks of Sedona art - you'll be drawn to learn all about Sedona, AZ history as countless visitors have been before.
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90 minutes NE of Flagstaff on the Hopi Reservation
90 minutes NE of Flagstaff on the Hopi Reservation928.734.2401
The History of New Age Sedona
By Toraya Ayres. Copyright 1997 Revised 1998
This is history as told by local people; images and memories from a small group which provide vivid glimpses of the unique lifestyle of New Agers in this remarkable community. Through their eyes we see the changes over the years. Many other people, just as worthy, could not be included. Responsibility for errors or interpretation belong to the author. Communications regarding Sedona's New Age history are welcome.
Introduction
In January 1993 I awakened one morning with a clear message in my head: Go to Sedona and start your life over. I was living in northern California and had never been to Sedona but a friend had piled her belongings onto a pick-up truck the year before and vanished into the desert. We only heard of her indirectly after that. She had had some extraordinary experiences, rumor said, and changed her name.
Sedona had a mysterious and magnetic reputation. You could see the stars clearly at night there, I was told, and sometimes UFOs. Nine months later, I had given up my job in Berkeley and moved to Arizona's high desert country. My experience of being called was not at all unusual. Local author Tom Dongo's book The Quest tells the stories of many others.
Uptown Sedona with beautiful red rocks in background
Sedona is a small town of approximately 10,000 population. Add another 5,000 for the nearby Village of Oak Creek. In the few years since my arrival, three new stoplights have appeared along Highway 89A and another on Highway 179, making a grand total of six. There are seven new movie theaters, Red Rock High School has opened, an Actors Repertory Theater group has formed and there is an international Film Festival each year. Those are only a few of the changes. A constant increase in traffic, new homes, timeshares, and businesses brings up serious issues regarding the pace of development. There are major controversies in town as to how plans for land, water, sewers, drainage and roads should be handled.
At least 176 New Age oriented businesses are located in Sedona and Oak Creek, over 200 if other nearby communities are included: Jerome, Cottonwood and Prescott. The local breakdown includes 16 audiovideo companies, 21 publishers, 5 publications, 14 retailers, 39 sidelines (manufacturers of a product) and more. These figures do not include any of the numerous holistic health practitioners, psychic readers, channels, sacred Earth tour guides or other individuals engaged in New Age service activities.
Sedona is shifting from an earlier identity as an attractive writers and artists colony and a good place to retire, to the broader role of world service. Approximately four million tourists come to experience the special beauty and energy of the red rock formations. Many come to seek a spiritual experience, to enjoy the creative arts, to connect with alternative healing practitioners, local products and services. Tour groups arrive throughout the season from all around the world.
The Chamber of Commerce handled 443,000 requests for information on the telephone or in person in 1996. Members of the Chamber estimate that up to ten percent of these people inquired about the vortices or New Age activities. This is probably an underestimate of New Age interest because a Northern Arizona University study of visitors done in 1995 at two different seasons of the year showed that 64% of Sedona's visitors were seeking a spiritual experience. Forty-two percent said they wanted to visit a vortex area.
Coffee Pot Rock in West Sedona
Local New Age authors, artists and musicians have their books, prints, paintings and recordings sold around the world. The Energy Mastery School founded by Dr. Jaffe in Sedona now offers training all over the USA and Europe. New Editions International, also founded in Sedona, has a database of New Age oriented businesses with information from 67 countries on it.
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Sedona Information
Named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by USA Today (2003).
Sedona Arizona's History
Sedona’s origins begin about 4000 BC when the pre-historic hunters & gatherers roamed and settled in the Verde Valley and Prescott areas.
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Between 900 and 1350 AD, the Sinagua began building pueblos and cliff houses. They were skillful farmers and made baskets, pottery and jewelry. They established trade routes with the Pacific Coast, Mexico and Central America.
As the Sinagua moved on, the Yavapai and Apache people moved into the area. The first Europeans explored Sedona & the Verde Valley in 1583 in search of gold. The first Anglo settler in Sedona was not until John James Thompson in 1876. He was lucky enough to find an abandoned garden still bearing crops. Three years later, the family of Abraham James arrived. James had been an acquaintance of Thompson in Utah and he married Thompson's daughter, Margaret.
A few more settlers came to the Oak Creek Canyon area in 1880. These early settlers lived an uncertain existence, hunting, fishing, and farming only a few acres just to feed their families. They slowly made improvements and the settlers were later able to farm larger and larger areas.
Using water from Oak Creek, the homesteaders raised fruit and vegetables. Peaches and apples were the fruit most widely grown. Every family had a collection of chickens, turkeys, and geese to feed themselves and to sell in Flagstaff, while cattle provided beef and dairy products.
Cattle ranching also played a significant role in Sedona's history. Herds were driven to high ground on the Mogollon Rim to graze in summer and returned to the Red Rock area in winter. Cattlemen leased grazing right on the National Forest lands.
By the turn of the century, about 15 families lived in the Sedona area. In 1899, Theodore Carlton (Carl or "T.C.") Schnebly, and his wife, Sedona Miller Schnebly, joined T.C.'s brother, Ellsworth (D.E.), in the Oak Creek Area. T. C. Schnebly was an innovative man, who had 80 acres and a general store and hotel in his home where Tlaquepaque and the Los Abrigados Resort are now located. He saw the need for regular mail service in the small community and organized it’s first post office. He suggested the names "Oak Creek Crossing" and "Schnebly Station" to the Postmaster General in Washington, but both came back rejected because they were too long. Ellsworth then suggested submitting Sedona's name for the honor. On June 26, 1902, the Postmaster approved the name "Sedona."
In 1902, John Loy and Ellsworth Schnebly wanted to build a road up out of the canyon. Following an old cow path, it was first called Munds Road. The residents helped build the road. The road today is known as Schnebly Hill Road. This primitive road offers wonderful views of Sedona. Beware – if you are afraid of heights. This road is narrow, steep & windy. If you decide to check it out - drive carefully! Improved transportation gave the settlers access to markets for their agricultural products outside of Sedona. The increased access to the world also allowed tourists to find opportunities for relaxation & recreation in Oak Creek and Sedona. As the scenic wonders and sites of Sedona became known Sedona became a popular place for shooting movies.
The first film shot in the Sedona area was Call of the Canyon, based on Zane Grey's novel of the same name. This 1923 silent film was shot on location in Oak Creek Canyon near the site of Mayhew's Lodge. Since then, many westerns and other movies were filmed in Sedona. Stars like John Wayne, Sterling Hayden, Robert Young, Dick Powell, and Joan Crawford came to Sedona to make movies.
Other new businesses cropped up to cater to the needs of movie crews. The movie industry provided a small economic boom for the community as local residents were employed as carpenters, extras and livestock wranglers. To date, nearly 100 films and numerous television productions have been shot partially or entirely on location in Sedona.
The real boom in Sedona tourism came in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Local ranchers sold property to developers. The orchards were transformed into homes designed for retirees while shopping centers and resorts were built for the many tourists flocking to the area. Tourism quickly surpassed agriculture in economic importance.
Today tourism is the largest sector of Sedona's economy. Over four million people visit Sedona every year drawn by the magnificent scenery and the outdoor activities available.
Sedona has also become famous for “spirituality”. One person responsible for initiating the emphasis on spirituality was Margurite Brunswig Staude. An artist, Staude was a devoted Catholic and found herself inspired to capture her spirituality in a church patterned after the cross. She decided to build the Chapel of the Holy Cross in memory of her parents. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona's most visible landmarks today. Check out the Scenic Sedona Tour which includes a stop at this famous chapel.
The spirituality of the Sedona area also encouraged less traditional practitioners of religion. Sedona had become known as a center for "New Age" consciousness. The New Age movement hit its peak in Sedona in 1987 when thousands of believers descended on the town to witness the "harmonic convergence" of the planets.
It is believed by many people that the region of Sedona contains a concentration of vortexes which are spots that release psychic energy or power from the Earth. The four local points which are considered to be energy vortexes are Bell Rock, Table Top Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Today, Sedona has several locations which offer lectures, seminars, psychic readings, massage healings and vortex information. There are many New Age outfits in town which distribute free maps showing the vortex sites and sell books, gems and other New Age paraphernalia.
Sedona is also very popular among artists. It serves as a location for all different types of artistic interpretations. Hundreds of well-known artists have called the red rocks home. In 1950, surrealist painter Max Ernst moved to Sedona, and other famous artists followed. Many artists have been attracted to Sedona and it’s rugged beauty which is said to enhance their creativity. Over the years, an artist colony has developed in Sedona and many of the artists sell their work in local galleries and shops. Check out a few of our favorite artists, Marlys Mallet & Michael Redhawk. You can see their work at www.marlys.org.
With all the change Sedona has seen since its beginnings, the one thing that has remained the same is it’s incredible beauty!
