Kathy Montgomery

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The Town that was Made of Wood,

Arizona Highways

In addition to saguaros and scenic wonders, Arizona has a reputation for its many ghost towns. Most of them were built around mining operations. McNary, however, sprang up as a lumber town in the White Mountains, the state's final frontier for harvesting timber.

Trying to Keep Track,

Arizona Highways

History's been made many times at Rillito Race Track in Tucson. Unfortunately, history keeps repeating itself there, too. However, despite several efforts to demolish the historic buildings and sell off the land, local voters and a nonprofit have so far saved the 78-year-old racetrack.



Dancing to a Different Tune,

Arizona Highways

In 1921, a group of prominent local businessmen mimicked a Hopi dance in Prescott, Arizona. The audience clamored for more and for almost 70 years, the "Smoki People" obliged.

He Took a Toll, Arizona Highways

In 1903, a handsome, engaging and ambitious man bought the rights to the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, erected a gate and began taking tolls. It was an aggressive move that led to long series of legal battles and his eventual fall from grace. 

Check this Out, Arizona Highways

Between 1886 and 1919, Andrew Carnegie funded nearly 1,700 libraries in the United States, including four in Arizona. At the time, the buildings stood as proof that the dusty frontier towns where they were located had achieved stability, prosperity and class.

Amelia Earhart in Arizona, Arizona Highways

McNeal, Arizona, has never been a hot spot for celebrity sightings. But one day, almost nine decades ago, one of the most famous women in the world dropped out of the sky. Literally.

Life on the Edge, Arizona Highways

In addition to the 4 million tourists who visit the South Rim every year, there's a small population of people who actually live there, tucked away from the spotlight of the Grand Canyon. It's a unique existence today, but in the middle of the last century, it was especially so. Back then, residents of "the village" didn't lock their cars, going out on a date was a hassle, gas was rationed and weekend highlights included $1 horseback rides. As one former resident puts it, life was "free and easy."



Yuma's Sunshine, Arizona Highways

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ranks Yuma as the sunniest place in the country. It's a distinction that early business leaders used to their advantage.

Is that a Swimming Pool on the South Rim?, Arizona Highways

Almost no one remembers it, but for a few decades in the middle of the last century, Grand Canyon Inn welcomed visitors with "a patio overlooking the Canyon, a swimming pool, fine foods and cocktails." There was a curio shop, too, which sold everything from Indian art to uranium samples.

Corps Values, Arizona Highways

From the rock retaining wall on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the intricate trails in Chiricahua National Monument, it's easy to see the positive effects of the Civilian Coversation Corps. But maybe more important was the effect it had on the thousands of young men who enrolled in the program, including Elson Alvarez and the other 41,000 enrollees who worked in Arizona.