Florence in Pinal County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

La Capilla del Gila

First church of the Assumption

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

1. La Capilla del Gila Marker

Inscription. This first Catholic Church in central Arizona, built in 1870 by Father Andre Echallier, was called "La Capilla del Gila". In 1883 a larger edifice commemorating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was constructed to the west: a convent was added to the original Capilla, which then became a school. After fire destroyed the new church in 1893, the old chapel served worshipers until the third church was dedicated in 1911. All the region's earliest Catholic Churches, including Phoenix and Tempe, were originally missions of this Florence parish.

Erected by Pinal County Historical Society and Arizona Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Arizona, Historic Florence Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 33° 2.059′ N, 111° 23.088′ W. Marker is in Florence, Arizona, in Pinal County. It is on East 8th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 223 East 8th Street, Florence AZ 85132, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert,

in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area,

in the San Carlos Apache Nation,

and specifically in the Tohono O’odham Nation.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Jacob Suter House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sam Kee Residence (about 600 feet away); Walker – Oury House (about 600 feet away); Conrad Brunenkant Building (about 600 feet away); Jesus Martinez House (about 600 feet away); Michea House and Lone Star General Store (about 600 feet away); Carmen Michea House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Regarding La Capilla del Gila. This site is #4 on the self-guided Historic Florence Walking Tour.

La Capilla del Gila image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

2. La Capilla del Gila

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

3. La Capilla del Gila

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,515 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.