Sedona in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Settlers

Historic Sedona

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 26, 2019

1. Historic Sedona Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The first Anglo settler in Sedona was John James Thompson in 1876. He had the advantage of finding an abandoned Yavapai garden, still bearing crops, hence the name "Indian Gardens" in Oak Creek Canyon. Three years later, the family of Abraham James arrived. Thompson had been an acquaintance of James in Utah and he married James'daughter, Margaret.

A few more settlers came to the Oak Creek Canyon area in 1880s and 1890s, including Jesse "Bear" Howard, Stephen Purtymun, Frank Owenby, Juan Armijo, Jack Robinson, John L.V. Thomas, William Dyer, Henry Schuerman, Charles Willard, and John H.Lee. They settled along Oak Creek, one of the few streams in Arizona that runs all year.

These early settlers lived a precarious existence, hunting, fishing, and farming a few acres to keep food on the table.

Erected by Sedona Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.

Location. 34° 52.071′ N, 111° 45.724′ W. Marker is in Sedona, Arizona, in Yavapai County.

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Marker can be reached from Hwy 89A. Located along the wall within a outdoor mall called The Shops at Hyatt Piñon Pointe. Next to Wildflower Shop (A2-3) at the end. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Hwy 89A, Sedona AZ 86336, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roads (here, next to this marker); Sedona Fire & Police Departments (a few steps from this marker); Jessie "Bear" Howard (a few steps from this marker); Grasshopper Flat (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowboys (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sinagua (within shouting distance of this marker); Heart of Sedona (within shouting distance of this marker); The First School (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sedona.

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 26, 2019

2. Historic Sedona Marker

circa 1890

3. Bear Howard's Cabin - circa. 1890

J.J. Thompson's original cabins were built on the east side of Oak Creek image. Click for full size.

4. J.J. Thompson's original cabins were built on the east side of Oak Creek

circa 1905

5. The Thomson Family - circa. 1905

Streams that runs thru Indian Gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, November 12, 2007

6. Streams that runs thru Indian Gardens

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 610 times since then and 194 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 28, 2019, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.