Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Donahue Building
1888
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024
1. Donahue Building Marker
This building for many years was the home of J. J. "Sandy" Donahue's famous Senate Saloon. After earlier frame buildings on the site had been destroyed by fire, Donahue built the present brick structure in 1888.
An important figure in Flagstaff's early history, Donahue held public office and participated in many civic improvements; but he was also a free-wheeling gambler, drinker and spender. Donahue became overextended and lost the property on a mortgage foreclosure.
A small number of Chinese lived in Flagstaff from its earlier days and quietly contributed to the success of the town, saving the money they earned by hard work in laundries and restaurants until they could buy land. In 1924, the ownership of this site passed into the hands of Chinese families who ran it as a cafe. Over the years it was known as the Mandarin, Royal and Rose Tree Cafe.
The brick face was covered with stucco in the 1940's, at about the same time that the Rose Tree became a saloon.
Erected by Jake & Meryl Horine, Richard & Sherry Mangum and the Main Street Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 35° 11.848′ N, 111°
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Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Aubineau / Andreatos Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Coconino Chop House (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Gandy Dancer" (within shouting distance of this marker); Rickel & Brooks Bldg. (within shouting distance of this marker); Aubineau Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Raymond Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McMillan Building (about 300 feet away); Railroad Depot (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
2. Donahue Building Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
3. Donahue Building and Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 7, 2010
4. Donahue Building
Photo Displayed on Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 24, 2024
5. Donahue Building Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,918 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5. submitted on December 17, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
