Levi Ruggles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Levi Ruggles
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Levi Ruggles (1880)
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| Born | 1824 |
| Died | 1889 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Soldier, carpenter, school teacher, pioneer and politician |
Levi Ruggles (born 1824, died 1889) was a brave soldier and a true pioneer. He is known as the "Father of Florence, Arizona" because he founded this important town. He helped shape the early history of Arizona.
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Early Life and Military Service
Ruggles was born in the state of Ohio. When he was young, he worked as a carpenter. He also spent time as a school teacher.
Joining the Army
When the American Civil War began, Levi Ruggles joined the Ohio State Militia. He became a Colonel, which is a high rank in the army. His militia group later became part of the Union Army. This was the army that fought for the northern states during the Civil War. Ruggles served in the military until 1866.
Working as an Indian Agent
In 1866, Ruggles was given an important job. He became an Indian Agent in the Arizona Territory. An Indian Agent was a person who worked for the U.S. government. Their job was to communicate with Native American tribes. Ruggles worked with the Pima, Tohono O'odham, and Maricopa tribes. He was married to Cynthia M. Tharp. He held this job until 1869.
Founding Florence, Arizona
The land where Florence is now located has a long history. About 1,200 years ago, the Hohokam people lived there. They built amazing canals to bring water from the Gila River to their farms. They grew many different crops. We don't know exactly what happened to the Hohokam people.
A New Town Begins
In the early 1800s, this area was part of Mexico. But in 1853, the Gadsden Purchase made it part of the United States. Levi Ruggles saw that the valley had great potential for farming. He also found a good place to cross the Gila River.
Ruggles bought land and planned out a new town. He designed the town with square blocks. He had a daughter named Florence. However, many historians believe he named the town after Florence, Italy, a famous city.
Early Development of Florence
In August 1869, Governor R.C. McCormick helped Florence get its own post office. The first mail arrived in September 1869. It came on horseback from a station 25 miles away. That same year, Ruggles built his first family home. He also opened a general store. You can still see the ruins of his first house today. They are on Ruggles Street, between Quartz and Willow Streets.
Designing the Courthouse
Levi Ruggles also designed the plans for the First Pinal County Courthouse. This important building was constructed in 1878. It was made from adobe blocks, which are bricks made from local mud. The wood for the building came from northern Arizona. It was brought by wagons.
The courthouse is located at W. 24 Ruggle St. Over the years, it has been used for many things. It was a hospital, a health center, and a home for the elderly. Today, it is a museum. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
Ruggles' Public Service
Levi Ruggles held many important jobs in Florence. He worked for the U.S. Land Office. He was a merchant, a justice of the peace, and a school board trustee. He also served as the Pinal County treasurer. He even represented the area in the Territorial Legislature.
Florence became the main town, or county seat, of the new Pinal County. In 1875, silver was found in the nearby mountains. This led to the creation of the famous Silver King Mine.
Later Years and Legacy
Many soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, like Levi Ruggles, received the Army Civil War Campaign Medal. This medal honored their service.
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Army Civil War Campaign Medal
Levi Ruggles passed away in Florence in 1889. He is remembered as the "Father of Florence, Arizona." He helped build a new community in the Arizona Territory.
