ASH FORK ~ February 11, 2007

Ash Fork is located in northern Yavapai County at the junction of State Highway 89 and Interstate 40, along Historic Route 66 which runs the length of the town. A large monument in the center of town tells about the history of Ash Fork. For many years, stage coaches headed for Prescott started from here. Visitors can see some businesses here that have been in operation since the 1920’s - and from our more recent past, a computer store on the corner in which you can still see a big poster in the window announcing “Welcome to the World of Windows 95.” Ash Fork was named for the ash trees that grew on the town site. Today, Ash Fork is known as the Flagstone Capital of the United States. Elevation: 5,128 feet.

The original transcontinental railroad line that the Atlantic & Pacific constructed in the 1880’s became part of the Santa Fe Railway’s main line connecting Chicago and California. Like the Beale Wagon Road, the Arizona section of this railroad generally followed the 35th parallel in crossing the northern part of the state. The northern Arizona towns of Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork, Seligman, and Kingman owe their existence to this railroad. The railroad dominated the economy and served as a lifeline to civilization for the towns along its route, which were otherwise isolated settlements in the middle of the wilderness.