Walnut Grove, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walnut Grove, Arizona
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Walnut Grove in Arizona Territory circa 1877
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 Walnut Grove, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Walnut Grove, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Yavapai |
| Elevation | 3,668 ft (1,118 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (MST) |
| Area code(s) | 928 |
| FIPS code | 04-80850 |
| GNIS feature ID | 35860 |
Walnut Grove is an old name for a place in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. It is located about 3,668 feet (1,118 meters) above sea level. This area was once a small settlement with a rich history.
Contents
The Early Days of Walnut Grove
Walnut Grove was an important place in the early history of Arizona. People thought it might even become the capital city!
A Close Vote for Capital City
In 1864, when Arizona was still a territory, leaders needed to pick a capital city. Prescott was chosen, but it was a very close vote. Some people wanted Walnut Grove to be the capital instead. The idea to make Walnut Grove the capital failed by just one vote (9 to 8). Other places like La Paz and a new town called Aztlan were also considered.
Mining in the Area
The land around Walnut Grove was rich in minerals. A special area for mining, called the Walnut Grove mining district, was created in 1864. It was named after the settlement itself. This shows how important mining was to the community.
Life in the Settlement
In October 1871, a group of explorers called the Wheeler Survey visited Walnut Grove. They wrote that they found "well cultivated lands," meaning people were farming there. A post office opened in 1874, which helped the community connect with the outside world.
Walnut Grove in Books
The settlement of Walnut Grove is mentioned several times in a book from 1877. The book is called Arizona as it is; or, The coming country and was written by Hiram C. Hodge. This book gives us clues about what life was like in Walnut Grove back then.
The Walnut Grove Dam Disaster
Walnut Grove faced a terrible event in 1890 when the Walnut Grove Dam broke. This disaster caused a lot of damage and sadness in the community.
What Happened to the Dam?
The Walnut Grove Dam was built to hold water, likely for mining or farming. However, in 1890, the dam failed. This means it broke apart, and a huge amount of water rushed out. This event was a major tragedy for the people living nearby.
Education in Walnut Grove
Even in its early days, Walnut Grove had a focus on education for its children.
The Walnut Grove School District
The Walnut Grove Elementary School District was started around 1875 to serve the kids in the community. For many years, a simple one-room schoolhouse was where children learned. This school continued to operate into the 1980s, teaching generations of students.
The School's Closing
Eventually, there were not enough students living in the area to keep the school open. Because of this, the school district was officially closed in 2021.
Walnut Grove Today
Today, Walnut Grove is not a bustling town. It is mostly known as a historic site.
A Ghost Town's Cemetery
In 2008, a study of the Walnut Creek Cemetery described Walnut Creek as a "ghost town." A ghost town is a place that was once active but is now mostly empty. The cemetery has between 140 and 180 graves and is located off Wagoner Road. It serves as a quiet reminder of the people who once lived in Walnut Grove.
