Hecla, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hecla, Arizona
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 Hecla, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Hecla, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Yavapai |
| Elevation | 4,596 ft (1,401 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (MST) |
| Area code(s) | 928 |
| FIPS code | 04-32335 |
| GNIS feature ID | 42742 |
Hecla is a historic spot in Yavapai County, Arizona, USA. It used to be a "way station," which was a place where travelers could stop, rest, and get supplies during their journeys.
The name Hecla comes from a nearby mine called Hecla. This location is also known as Stone Corral. Hecla is about 4,596 feet (1,401 m) above sea level, which means it's quite high up!
A Stop for Travelers
In the 1870s, a former soldier named John Stemmer created this way station. It was built along Ash Creek, a good stopping point for people traveling between Prescott and the Verde Valley.
The station offered many things for weary travelers. It had at least seven furnished rooms for sleeping, a bar, and a retail store where people could buy goods. There was also a kitchen and a dining room to serve meals. For horses, there were stables and two strong stone corrals.
New Owners and a Post Office
In 1884, A.J. Hudson and his family took over the way station. They continued to run it as an inn for travelers. The Hudsons added more features, including a root cellar for storing food.
For about 18 months, Hecla even had its own post office. This made it an important place for mail and communication. Besides helping travelers, the way station became a popular spot for social gatherings for people from small communities nearby.
The End of an Era
Sadly, in August 1898, a sudden flash flood hit Ash Creek. The powerful water destroyed most of the buildings at the way station. Because of this damage, the site was abandoned.
Today, only the stone corral and the root cellar remain. Hecla is now a historical site located within the Prescott National Forest Reserve. You can visit it by following the General Cook hiking trail.
