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 these topic lists: Architecture • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Arizona, Historic Florence Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 33° 2.163′ N, 111° 23.264′ W. Marker was in Florence, Arizona, in Pinal County. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 24 West Ruggles Avenue, Florence AZ 85132, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Silver King Florence Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker);

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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.

More about this marker. The Arizona state parks department confirmed that the marker was removed during the renovations and would put it back up when the park reopens.

Regarding First Pinal County Courthouse. The "First Pinal County Courthouse" is, probably one of, the best historic buildings in Florence. It is part of the McFarland State Historic Park. Arizona State parks closed the park in February 2009 because the adobe walls were crumbling and the foundation of the building was washing away underneath the walls. They started a massive restoration project in May 2009. Because of budget problems the state never

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 6, 2013

2. First Pinal County Courthouse Marker

reopened the 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 Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

3. First Pinal County Courthouse

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 16, 2010

4. 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

5. First Pinal County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,161 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 12, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on January 22, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5. submitted on August 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.