The history of Camp Verde includes a volcanic eruption, a vanished people and a settlement originally named for a slain president.

In 700 A.D., the Hohokam people moved to the region and originated a noteworthy irrigation system for their farming. They, in turn, were followed by Sinaguans, who took their own leave of the area after a volcanic eruption in the 11th century A.D., and the Anasazi, who built multi-storied dwellings but are better known for mysteriously vanishing sometime in the 1300s.

Centuries later, Prescott residents arrived in search of a good place to farm. They settled near the Verde River to plant crops and raise livestock, but their movement into the area also raised the ire of the local Yavapai and Apache Indians, who raided the settlements.

Thus was born Camp Lincoln, established in 1865 — the same year that the nation’s president was mortally wounded at Ford’s Theatre — by the U.S. Army to quell the unrest. The name was later changed to Camp Verde, as so many other camps had been named to honor the assassinated president.

Gen. George Crook arrived in the region in the 1870s, and later that decade the outpost’s name again changed, to Fort Verde — today one of the region’s many historic tourist destinations. Crook became known as a peacemaker and one of the first advocates of Indian rights.

Camp Verde is much more than the surviving home of a frontier fort and a destination for those interested in history — though it certainly is that, as well. Located in the high desert central mountain region of Yavapai County, Camp Verde today is home to 9,400 residents and presents activities that call visitors and locals alike throughout the year. Some are tied to the town’s legacy of frontier fortitude, such as General Crook’s Pioneer Days, held in September.

Other celebrations key on agriculture (July’s Cornfest) or meld themes for a blend of the adventurous and the eclectic (February’s Antique, Pecan and Wine Festival). All, however, present aspects of a community proud of its history and prone to revel in the area’s colorful characteristics.

Trapper Moore, with the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, grew up in the area.

“Camp Verde is unique in many ways,” he says. “We are home to the Montezuma Castle National Monument, state parks, Cliff Castle Casino and we host 38 special events each year. Also, we’re in driving distance of Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott and Phoenix. It’s great that visitors are able to enjoy our rural setting while having the opportunity to make day trips to surrounding areas to experience Northern Arizona.”

As important as the area’s natural features, however, are the ways in which residents share the region’s wonders, Mr. Moore says. “The best thing about living in Camp Verde is that everyone has a sense of community. We know no strangers, and provide a relaxed and welcoming environment to all who visit or relocate.”

Viewing Camp Verde and Montezuma Well

Located 68 miles north of Phoenix on Interstate 17 and 60 miles south of Flagstaff, Camp Verde lies in the geographic center of the state. Here, insist locals, the rural lifestyle so prevalent in its history remains.

Riparian areas abound, following the Verde River and its environs, offering lots of hiking trails for day, overnight and weekend excursions. Many of these are historically relevant, according to the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, and were used by early settlers, and cowhands and ranchers working cattle.

The local foothills are home to quail, rabbits, javelina and deer, as well as redtails, black hawks and golden and bald eagles. Much of the region is managed by the Prescott and Coconino National Forests, and allows visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, birding, fishing, trail riding and picnicking.

One of the attractions is Montezuma Well, a deep depression formed long ago by the collapse of an immense underground cavern. This limestone sinkhole, into which a large spring flows, is considered scientifically important as well as a showcase for the ingenuity of the region’s former Native American inhabitants.

Around Montezuma Well the Native Americans built homes and farms, diverting water from the lake for irrigating ditches and supporting their crops. Today, parts of their villages and irrigation canals can still be seen. Archaeological features include the remains of two pueblos on the rim of the Well, the larger containing approximately 24 ground-floor rooms, and the other 15, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Three small cliff dwellings are located in the western ledges, with several rooms hidden in a large cave near the point where the Well water snakes underground.

Camp Verde’s Calendar

Fort Verde Days

(October) — The fest includes a parade, antique show with more than 60 vendors, arts, crafts and food booths, championship bull riding and the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Adoption. Also included in admission is free entry into the Fort Verde State Historic Park and a children’s carnival.

Christmas Parade of Lights

(December) — The Christmas Parade of Lights includes a large, lighted parade but also the singing of Christmas carols and viewing of a live manger scene.

Bachelors’ Auction

(February) — The annual Bachelors’ Auction raises money for Camp Verde Parks & Recreation Youth Activities and features men of all ages, backgrounds and professions from across Arizona, ready to embark on an enchanted evening to support the youth of the Verde Valley. The event is open to women from around the state to purchase a bachelor and enjoy fine wines and appetizers. Each auctioned bachelor provides a date package that includes dinners, hot air balloon rides, train rides and destination getaways across the state.

Antique, Pecan and Wine Festival

(February) — The annual Antique, Pecan and Wine Festival was recently nominated for the Arizona Governors Tourism Award in Special Events, and won the 2004 Arizona Parks & Recreation Association Special Event of the Year. The festival combines antique collectibles with five Arizona wineries. Guests can attend seminars on growing pecans, purchasing Arizona wines and antiquing, as well as indulge in homemade pecan pie.

Main Street Stampede — Boots, Broncs & Bulls

(April) — The Stampede features professional and amateur cowboys competing for prizes in bareback riding, saddle bronco riding and bull riding. The event, an official tour stop for the Angry American Rough Stock Tour, also features a KIDS rodeo, beer garden and community dance with live performances.

Arizona Crawdad Festival

(June) — The Arizona Crawdad Festival features Cajun music and food, including crawfish boil, etouffee and jambalaya. Familiar sights are waves of Mardi Gras masks and beads, crawdad eating contests, a Cajun spelling bee and a root beer float garden.

Gourd and Garlic Festival

(June) — The first Gourd and Garlic Festival was in June at the Camp Verde Community Center. It featured gourd and garlic vendors, gourd art, demonstrations and food.

Independence Day Celebration

(July) — The annual Independence Day Celebration features one of Northern Arizona’s most spectacular fireworks shows, a volleyball tournament, pie and watermelon-eating contests.

Cornfest

(July) — The Cornfest features corn eating and shucking contests, and pits participants against each other in tests of hog calling proficiency and cow “pie” throwing accuracy. Another event is the corniest joke contest. Live bluegrass music is performed at the annual Corn Ball, which toasts the crowning of the Corn King and Queen. Guests can also submit their favorite recipes for the Annual Corn Fe
stival Cook-Book.

General Crook’s Pioneer Days

(September) — The event includes the annual Mule Show, a tractor pull competition, an antique engine and tractor show, country music and traditional Native American singing and entertainment. Also featured are the Annual Native American/Western Art Show and the Dutch-Oven Cook-Off and Dinner.

FYI

Just 68 miles north of Phoenix on I-17 and 60 miles south of Flagstaff, Camp Verde is the geographical center of Arizona. Nearby communities include Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona and Prescott. Camp Verde’s elevation is 3,133 feet, with an annual rainfall of 17.99 inches.

Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce

385 South Main Street Camp Verde, AZ 86322

928-567-9294

www.campverde.org

campverdechamber@cvaz.org

Camp Verde Parks & Recreation

928-567-0535

www.cvaz.org

Fort Verde State Historic Park

P.O. Box 397, 125 E. Hollamon Street

Camp Verde, AZ 86322

928-567-3275

www.pr.state.az.us

Montezuma Castle National Monument

www.nps.gov/moca

928-567-3322

Montezuma Well

www.nps.gov/moca/well.htm