Arizona Culture

Travel to Phoenix and experience the culture! Arizona is a crossroad of culture and heritage where many different traditions have met and combined into a unique culture that defines Arizona.

History comes alive at every turn, where the spirit of Geronimo, Wyatt Earp and Padre Kino lives on. Explore the locations steeped in heritage and dedicated to our Old West, Mexican and Native American culture. You'll find yourself intrigued, as well, by a remarkable array of fine-art venues, including historic theatres, colorful galleries, and renowned museums.

The Old West

No place in the United States played such a significant role in shaping the image of the Old West quite like Arizona. The spirit of the legendary Old West is kept alive throughout the state in communities, guest ranches and historical parks that pay homage to famous lawmen and notorious gunslingers. A glimpse of the "cowboy life" can be gleaned from a visit to almost any part of the state. The late 1800s have been preserved for folks eager to experience the West -- when the West was harsh.

Few places epitomize the Old West like Tombstone. Known as "The Town Too Tough To Die," Tombstone brings to mind scenes of gun battles on the streets, sour-faced outlaws, and high-rolling gamblers. A climate of wanton abandon where the "law of the gun" was only one respected.

A hero emerged from the gun smoke. Wyatt Earp, a lawman from Dodge City, Kansas restored order to the region. No figure was more famous or dangerous. Earp, his brothers and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral forever will be part of Tombstone mythology.

Small towns throughout Southern Arizona like Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Benson and others offer their own unique story to tell about the way the West was won. Museums, historical sites and tours await hearts longing for the wild times of the Old West.

Native American Nations

For more than a thousand years, Native American farmers inhabited much of the present-day state of Arizona. Ruins of villages and ancient structures in the northern, southern and central regions of the state attest to the ingenuity of original settlers. The five-story Montezuma Castle, a 20-room cliff dwelling located in the Verde Valley, served as a "high-rise apartment building" for Sinagua Indians 600 years ago. Case Grande also known as "Big House" is one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric buildings ever constructed. Both sites are among the best preserved Native American structures in North America.

Contemporary Native American tribes, 21 belonging to Arizona, have continued many of the traditions of their ancestors. Artisans of the Hopi tribe still handcraft the popular kachina dolls, which are used in tribal rituals and festivals during different times of the year. Exploring Native American Arizona can reveal many more cultural aspects of tribes both old and new to the state.

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