Florence in Pinal County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Levi Ruggles
Founder of Florence
— Historic Site —
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010
1. Levi Ruggles Founder of Florence Marker
Inscription.
Levi Ruggles. Founder of Florence. Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of this valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite here. He called the village Florence, a favorite Ruggles family name, and early in 1869 built his first family home on this site. In August of that same year, with the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office. Ruggles held numerous public offices, including that of Territorial legislator.
Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of this valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite here. He called the village Florence, a favorite Ruggles family name, and early in 1869 built his first family home on this site. In August of that same year, with the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office. Ruggles held numerous public offices, including that of Territorial legislator.
Erected by Pinal County Historical Society and Arizona Historical Society.
Location. 33° 2.163′ N, 111° 23.329′ W. Marker is in Florence, Arizona, in Pinal County. Marker is on West Ruggles Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the North side of Ruggles Avenue between North Quartz Street and North Willow Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AZ 85132, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. E.N. Fish & Co. Store (within shouting distance of this marker); George A. Brown House (within shouting
2. Levi Ruggles Founder of Florence Marker and Home Site
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010
3. Levi Ruggles Home Site
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,971 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
