Marker Logo
THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Prescott in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
 

Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club

 
 
Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 6, 2010
1. Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club Marker
Inscription. Three very prominent buildings once stood on East Gurley Street between Alarcon and Marina Streets – The Territorial Capital Building, Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club.

Originally, the property between Alarcon and Marina streets on Gurley Street was the site of the red brick building which housed the Territorial Legislature and Prescott City Hall. Built in 1884, it was remodeled in 1904 for use as a high school. In 1914, it was demolished and a new high school was constructed. The new high school was described as "splendid". By 1930, this was too small for the number of students, so in 1931 a junior high school was added on the east and south sides of the block.

Meanwhile, in 1903 railroad entrepreneur Frank Murphy purchased the building along South Marina Street at Gurley. The Dake Opera House, the Goldsworthy Residence and the Gould Cottage were demolished to build the Yavapai Club, an organization "incorporated by the businessmen of the county for the purpose of furthering the material and social interest of the community". It was housed in "one of the finest buildings in Arizona and was as completely equipped as the finest gentleman's club in San Francisco or New York". The club featured a library, games room, restaurant with a buffet, a bowling alley, sleeping accommodations and a second-floor ballroom.
Paid Advertisement
Click or scan to see
this page online
After a fire in 1907, the Club was restored. It was eventually turned over to the high school in the 1930s and was used for art classes and a music room. It was torn down about 1941.

In 1976, the entire block was cleared for the construction of a new Yavapai County Administration complex.
 
Erected by City of Prescott.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: EducationFraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
 
Location. 34° 32.503′ N, 112° 27.962′ W. Marker is in Prescott, Arizona, in Yavapai County. It is at the intersection of East Gurley Street and South Alarcon Street, on the right when traveling east on East Gurley Street. Marker is on the southwest corner of Gurley and Alarcon streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prescott AZ 86301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prescott Area. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. 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: Washington School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Day Octagon (within shouting distance of this marker); Hassayampa Inn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Carnegie Library (about 500 feet away); Nob Hill (about 500 feet away); Prescott National Bank (about 800 feet away);
Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 6, 2010
2. Prescott High School and the Yavapai Club Marker
Knights of Pythias Building (about 800 feet away); The Bank of Arizona and the Electric Buildings (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prescott.
 
Photo Displayed on Marker image. Click for full size.
July 6, 2010
3. Photo Displayed on Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,878 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
m=33095

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisement
Jun. 10, 2026