Holbrook, Arizona - Too Tough For Women or Churches

Holbrook, Arizona - Page 2

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There was obviously a need for law enforcement in the settlement and Sheriff Commodore Perry Owens is credited with bringing it to the wild and crusty town in 1887. It all started when a warrant against a man named Andy Cooper was issued for cattle rustling. In actuality, Cooper was one Andy Blevins, who had changed his name when he came to Arizona because of an outstanding warrant for murder in Texas. When Owens went to the Blevins family home on September 4, 1887, the family was in the midst of Sunday dinner and Cooper, a/k/a Blevins, refused to come out. Within moments, Andy’s half brother, John, opened the door and took a shot at the sheriff, who quickly drew both of his six-guns, sending bullets into both John and Andy. A gunfight inevitably ensued and Sam Blevins, just 15 years-old, ran out the door firing at Owen, who returned the shots. A friend of the Blevin family named Mose Roberts also fired upon the Sheriff.

The melee, lasting less than a minute, left Andy and Sam Blevin, as well as Mose Roberts dead. John Blevins was wounded. Today, the historic site of the gunfight still stands on Central Street in Holbrook.

In 1888, Holbrook was struck by fire, which nearly destroyed every building in the city. However, this town of hardy pioneers rebuilt and continued to grow.

Though still lawless, Holbrook gained the honor of county seat in 1895, and just three years later a new courthouse was built. This historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to stand today, operating as the Holbrook Visitor Center and Museum.

By 1914 Holbrook was said to be the only county seat in the U.S. that didn't have a church. However, it did have one of the famous Fred Harvey Restaurants, housed in several old boxcars on a rail siding.

By the time Route 66 made its appearance, the wild and lawless town had become more settled, and the narrow strip of asphalt became a symbol of hope to the city and the many travelers of the Mother Road.

When World War II ended, the gas shortage was over and tourism in the city flourished. It was during this time that dozens of other souvenir shops including the PowWow Trading Post opened, offering samples of petrified wood and Indian Treasures. In 1950, the Wigwam Village was built, which continues to serve customers today. When you need to sate your appetite stop at Joe and Aggie's Cafe in the center of town or Romo's Cafe, just across the street.

Today this city of a little more than 5,000 souls offers a great opportunity to explore Navajo, Hopi and Apache country, as well as the nearby Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest National Park, and its many Route 66 era icons.

If you're traveling Route 66, don't forget to check out the Geronimo Trading Post just outside of town before heading on down the ole Mother Road to Joseph City and Winslow, Arizona.