Prescott

Prescott is located in Yavapai County and it is the county seat. It lies north of Phoenix along Highway 89 near the Prescott National Forest.

Named after historian William Hickling Prescott, the town was established in 1864, just after a major regional gold discovery. Prescott served as the Arizona territorial capital from 1864 to 1867, as well as 1877 to 1889, when Phoenix got the nod.

Today, Prescott is a mining, ranching and resort town with some manufacturers. The city's southwestern climate is moderated due to its mile-high elevation.

Attractions include the Smoki Museum, featuring the lifeways of northern Arizona's original inhabitants; its counterpart, the Phippen Museum with exhibits about the area's pioneers and settlers; and the annual Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, held first in 1888. Prescott is home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Prescott National Forest headquarters. There are more than 15 Prescott area parks.