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. 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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 33° 2.163′ N, 111° 23.329′ W. Marker is in Florence, Arizona, in Pinal County. It 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.

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: E.N. Fish & Co. Store (within shouting distance of this marker); George A. Brown House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Granville Wheat Outbuilding (within shouting distance of this marker); First Pinal County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ross/Fryer – Cushman Residence (about 400 feet away); Silver King Florence Hotel (about 400 feet away); E. N. Fish & Co. Store (about 500 feet away); Charles Rapp Saloon (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Levi Ruggles Founder of Florence Marker and Home Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

2. Levi Ruggles Founder of Florence Marker and Home Site

Levi Ruggles Home Site image. Click for full size.

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 2,394 times since then and 40 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.