Apache County, Arizona is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes in the nation. The county covers an area of 11,218 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in Arizona. Apache County is bordered by Navajo County to the north, Coconino County to the west, Graham and Greenlee Counties to the south, and New Mexico to the east.
The county’s geography is characterized by an array of landscapes ranging from high desert mesas and plateaus to rugged mountain ranges. The county’s western border is marked by a series of mesas including Mesa Verde and White Mesa while its eastern border features several mountain ranges including Chuska Mountains, Mount Baldy, and Fort Apache Mountains. These mountains are home to a variety of wildlife species such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, bald eagles and more.
The county also contains several rivers including San Francisco River which runs through Apache County from north to south as well as Salt River which flows from east to west across Apache County before joining with Gila River near Phoenix. Additionally there are several creeks that run throughout Apache County including Black Creek in Cibecue Valley which offers great fishing opportunities for trout as well as other fish species.
Apache County also contains numerous national forests such as Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests which offer camping opportunities in stunning natural settings while also providing visitors with access to hiking trails that traverse through some of Arizona’s most beautiful landscapes. Additionally there are several Native American reservations located within Apache County such as Navajo Nation Reservation which offers visitors a chance to explore traditional Native American cultures while learning about their history and customs.
Country seat and other main cities in Apache County, Arizona
The country seat of Apache County, Arizona is St. Johns, located in the northeastern corner of the county and home to a population of around 3,000 people. This small town serves as the county seat and is a hub for local activities such as festivals, concerts, and farmers markets. St. Johns is also home to a number of historical sites including the Old Apache County Courthouse which was built in 1894 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
According to countryaah, the other main cities in Apache County include Springerville, located in the western part of the county with a population around 2,000; Show Low which has a population around 10,000; Pinetop-Lakeside located near Show Low with a population close to 7,500; and Greer located in eastern Apache County with a population around 200 people.
Springerville is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as biking trails along the Little Colorado River and fishing spots at its many lakes. The city also has several art galleries featuring local artwork as well as an annual Springerville Heritage Festival that celebrates the history of this unique area.
Show Low is named after an old card game where two players would draw cards with one saying “show low” if they wanted to win while their opponent said “show high” if they wanted to keep their card hidden. Today this city is known for its many outdoor activities including fishing at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area and hiking trails at White Mountain Wilderness Area. Show Low also hosts several events throughout the year including The White Mountains Balloon Festival which takes place every August.
Pinetop-Lakeside offers visitors numerous outdoor activities such as golfing at Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club or skiing at Sunrise Ski Park in winter months while also providing access to several cultural attractions like The Silver Creek Museum which showcases Native American artifacts from over 500 years ago or The Hon-Dah Casino & Resort which offers gaming tables and live entertainment year round.
Greer is known for its natural beauty featuring alpine forests surrounded by rolling hillsides that offer stunning views especially during fall when leaves begin to change color making it popular among photographers and nature lovers alike who come here to experience this breathtaking landscape firsthand or just relax by one of its many picturesque lakes like Big Lake or Crescent Lake which are both stocked with fish making them great spots for fishing enthusiasts looking for some quiet time away from it all.
Note:
According to abbreviationfinder, the 2-letter abbreviation of Arizona is AZ. This is the standard postal abbreviation for the state and is used in many contexts, including mailing addresses and license plates. AZ is also commonly used to refer to Arizona in informal contexts, such as when talking about the state or sharing information online. Additionally, Arizona’s official abbreviation is Ariz., which is often used in more formal settings.
History of Apache County, Arizona
Apache County, Arizona is located in the northeast corner of the state and is home to over 70,000 people. Apache County is one of the original four counties that were created when Arizona became a territory in 1863, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. The county was named after the Apache Tribe, who were living in this region for centuries prior to European settlement.
The Apache Tribe has a long and rich history in this area, with archaeological evidence indicating that they had been living here since at least 1000 BCE. The Apache were nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived in small bands and were known for their fierce warrior spirit. They had frequent clashes with other tribes such as the Navajo and Ute, as well as Spanish and American settlers who moved into their territory during the 19th century.
During this time period, Apache County was largely unsettled by Europeans until 1876 when Fort Apache was established by US Army troops near present-day Whiteriver. This fort served as a base of operations for US troops during conflicts with Native American tribes and also provided protection for settlers who began to move into this region.
In 1879, Fort Apache was abandoned by US troops but settlers continued to arrive in Apache County throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. These settlers established ranches and farms that supported their families as well as local businesses such as sawmills, mines, railroads, stores, banks and schools that helped build up towns like St Johns which became an important hub for trade between Native Americans and settlers alike.
Today Apache County remains largely rural with most residents living on ranches or farms that have been passed down through generations while many towns have grown or remained relatively small throughout its history. Despite its rural character however, many visitors come to experience its unique culture which includes festivals like the White Mountain Roundup Rodeo & Fair held annually in Springerville or outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area or biking trails along the Little Colorado River.
Economy of Apache County, Arizona
Apache County, Arizona is a largely rural and sparsely populated county located in the northeastern corner of the state. It has a population of approximately 71,000 people, most of whom live on ranches or farms that have been passed down through generations. The economy in Apache County is largely based on agriculture and ranching, with some light industry and tourism also playing a role in the region’s economic health.
Agriculture has always been an important part of Apache County’s economy. The county is home to numerous family-owned ranches that produce beef cattle, hay, wheat and other crops. Additionally, there are several smaller farms that specialize in producing fruits and vegetables for local markets. Agriculture plays an important role in providing jobs for locals as well as generating revenue for the county through taxes and fees associated with farm production.
Ranching has also been an important part of Apache County’s economy for many years. Cattle ranching is still one of the main economic activities in the region today, with numerous large-scale operations producing beef for local markets as well as exports to other parts of the country and abroad. Ranchers also benefit from tax incentives associated with their operations which help to generate additional revenue for the county.
Light industry has also become an increasingly important part of Apache County’s economy over recent years as more businesses have moved into the area to take advantage of its low cost labor force and proximity to larger cities like Phoenix or Tucson. Many businesses are involved in manufacturing products such as furniture or electronics components while other companies provide services such as construction or trucking services to local customers or those outside the region.
Finally, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Apache County’s economy over recent years due to its unique culture and outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area or biking trails along the Little Colorado River. Visitors come from all over Arizona and beyond to experience these attractions which helps generate additional revenue for local businesses as well as providing jobs for locals who work in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions across Apache County.