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

First Pinal County Courthouse

— Historic Site —

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 6, 2013

1. First Pinal County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. This adobe building, which was designed by Levi Ruggles and built in 1878, combines Sonoran and Anglo-American architectural features typical of Territorial Arizona. It was the courthouse until 1891 and then served as a hospital, health center, home for the elderly, and a museum. In 1974, to preserve the property, former United States Senator, Arizona Governor and State Supreme Court Justice Ernest W. McFarland and his wife Edna purchased the property and donated it to the Arizona State Parks Board. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 1984 by McFarland Historic State Park Advisory Committee and Arizona Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Arizona, Historic Florence Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 33° 2.163′ N, 111° 23.264′ W. Marker is in Florence, Arizona, in Pinal County. It can be reached from Ruggles Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 West Ruggles Avenue, Florence AZ 85132, United States

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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: Silver King Florence Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); E. N. Fish & Co. Store (within shouting distance of this marker); E.N. Fish & Co. Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Levi Ruggles (about 300 feet away); Ross/Fryer – Cushman Residence (about 300 feet away); Charles Rapp Saloon (about 400 feet away); George A. Brown House (about 400 feet away); Granville Wheat Outbuilding (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Regarding First Pinal County Courthouse. The "First Pinal County Courthouse" is, probably one of, the best historic

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 6, 2013

2. First Pinal County Courthouse Marker

buildings in Florence. It is part of the McFarland State Historic Park.

This site is #6 on the self-guided Historic Florence Walking Tour.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker has been replaced.
McFarland State Historic Park has re-opened as a park and Visitor Center, and is operated by the Florence Main Street Program and the Town of Florence. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.

First Pinal County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 31, 2022

3. First Pinal County Courthouse

McFarland State Park, also known as the First Pinal County Courthouse, is home of the Florence Visitors Center and a museum.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

4. First Pinal County Courthouse

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

5. First Pinal County Courthouse

The Arizona state parks department removed the marker during renovations and will put it back up when the park reopens.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, August 6, 2013

6. First Pinal County Courthouse

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 31, 2022

7. First Pinal County Courthouse

A view of the courthouse from inside McFarland State Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,573 times since then and 61 times this year. Last updated on March 30, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on March 30, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on January 22, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on August 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 7. submitted on March 30, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.