Prescott in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Our Creeks are Alive!
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 3, 2015
1. Our Creeks are Alive! Marker
The Water Table
By March of 1881, fire wells like this one were hand-dug on the four corners of the Courthouse Plaza. At the time, the water table was high enough to allow bucketing of water for fire emergencies. These wells were abandoned before the catastrophic downtown fire of July 14, 1900.
Prescott’s creeks and wildlife also benefit from the high water table that fed this well. Today, the creeks are still rich with life even during the driest summer season. Their lush vegetation provides homes for an amazing variety of wildlife.
Life on the Creek / Creekside Life
Healthy creeks are part of a healthy community. We celebrate our local creeks as places where you can hear birds singing, search for animal tracks, or simply take a break from the bustling sidewalks.
The community of Prescott is working to protect and restore these waterways that are so rich in natural and cultural history.
(photo & drawing captions)
• Granite Creek flowing through Watson Woods
• Yellow Warbler
• Broad Tailed Hummingbird
• Raccoon
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Disasters • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 34° 32.422′ N, 112° 28.144′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Goldwater Brothers Mercantile (within shouting distance of this marker); Prescott (within shouting distance of this marker); City Jail and Firehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Howey's Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ruffner Plaza Stables (about 300 feet away); The Historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza Fountain (about 400 feet away); Prescott's Beginnings: The First Mining District in Yavapai County (about 400 feet away); Montezuma Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prescott.
Also see . . . Prescott Fire Department (Wikipedia). Prior to 1884, Prescott had no water system for fire protection. Wells were sunk at the four corners of the courthouse plaza and double acting hand pumps were installed. (Submitted on October 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Courtesy of Sharlot Hall Museum
2. Marker detail: Fire Pump & Well
This circa 1883 view shows the well pump on the northeast corner of the Courthouse Plaza at the intersection of Gurley and Cortez streets.
3. Marker detail: Upper Granite Creek Watershed Map
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 3, 2015
4. Our Creeks are Alive! Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
