Flagstaff in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Historic Basque Handball Court

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 16, 2012

1. The Historic Basque Handball Court Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Historic Basque handball court (cancha) built in 1926 by Jesus Garcia, a Spaniard who migrated to Flagstaff in 1912. He owned and operated the adjacent Tourist Home. The Basque would reportedly herd sheep, drink, chase women, or play their beloved pelota games (hard sheep skin ball). The Basque migrated westward in the late 1800s following the railways.

The 40 foot high sandstone court is one of a reported 14 remaining in America, and is the only one left standing in Arizona.

Erected 2011 by Luttrell.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 35° 11.735′ N, 111° 38.923′ W. Marker is in Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County. Marker is on South San Francisco Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 South San Francisco Street, Flagstaff AZ 86001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Downtowner (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Gandy Dancer"

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Two Spots (about 600 feet away); Railroad Depot (about 700 feet away); Transcontinental Railroad Centennial (about 700 feet away); Donahue Building (about 700 feet away); Aubineau / Andreatos Building (about 700 feet away); Coconino Chop House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flagstaff.

Also see . . . Basque handball court part of Flag''s fading history. (Submitted on September 15, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.)

Photographed By Denise Boose, July 16, 2012

2. The Historic Basque Handball Court Marker