Founded in 1864, Prescott was Arizona's first territorial capital. The mile-high town was named for William Hickling Prescott, an East Coast historian. Locals pronounce Prescott presk-it, the second syllable rhyming with "biscuit." Over 400 local structures claim a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Almost all the action in Prescott takes place downtown on or near Courthouse Plaza, a large, eminently scrollable town square. The picturesque plaza is bounded by Goodwin and Gurley streets to the north and Montezuma and Cortez streets to the east and west, respectively.

The downtown is home to many antique stores, galleries, theaters (four), museums, historical homes, and restaurants. Two of the town's most popular activities, shopping and bar hopping, dovetail on Montezuma Street, the town's historic Whiskey Row, where more than 20 saloons roared full-blast day and night at the turn of the 20th century.

Nine buildings make up the Sharlot Hall Museum, a superb historical museum centered at 415 W. Gurley St., two blocks west of the plaza. Fort Whipple played a major role during the Indian wars and was maintained until 1912; it is now a Veterans Administration hospital. The Frémont House, named after Arizona's fifth territorial governor, contains furnishings typical of a well-to-do family of the late 1870s.

Prescott offers a seemingly endless menu of outstanding attractions and events. During the long 4th of July weekend, Prescott Frontier Days and the World's Oldest Rodeo provide action-packed rodeo competition, Arizona's second-largest parade, and the Rodeo Dance. The Annual Cowboy Poets Gathering held in August is a fascinating blend of traditional and contemporary poems, songs and stories of the Old West's most popular symbol, the American Cowboy. There are several nearby golf courses. Summit Snowplay offers fun in the snow at the 7,023-foot pass on Highway 89A between Prescott and Jerome.

See Calendar of Events.