A Unique Town In Arizona Is An Under-The-Radar Western Beauty With Victorian Architecture

When we think of Arizona, we think of the scenic Grand Canyon, Sedona's Red Rock State Park, and the iconic Saguaro cactus, the largest cacti in the world that thrives in the Sonoran Desert. But Arizona also has a rich history and is peppered with towns that are a testament to that wild, Western past. One of the oldest and least frequented of these historic Western towns is Florence –– a stunning time capsule rife with 140 historic buildings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, exhibiting some of the best Victorian architecture of the era.

Just over an hour's drive southeast of Phoenix (63 miles), Florence has a population of around 27,000 people. Florence was established in 1866 and has a long history associated with the copper-mining industry in Arizona. This charming town so perfectly exemplifies Arizona's history and culture, a visit to Florence is more like taking a journey through time. Much like in Mesa Verde State Park, where there are thousands of archeological sites and Native American ruins, Florence is also home to many of the original adobe buildings from around the time when the town was first established.

Designated a National Historic District, downtown Florence is replete with saloons, churches, and other notable examples of Victorian architecture, making this part of Arizona feel like a time capsule. Florence, according to the city's official website, "straddles the line between yesterday and today." As one of the oldest towns in the state, this sentiment rings true, with a historic downtown that looks something straight out of an old postcard. 

One of the highlights of a trip to Florence is McFarland State Park. Home to the largest standing courthouse in Arizona, the building is now converted into a visitor center. This park offers history buffs a peek at the real Old West, with the old courthouse having been the location of more than one stand-off or gunfight between sheriffs and prisoners back in its heyday. Demonstrating a hybrid of both Sonoran and Anglo-American architecture, the old building has free displays of memorabilia from the original courthouse days. Admission and tours are free as well, so get ready to learn all you can about life on the frontier. You can also stop by the old sheriff's office on your way out for some more gun-slinging history.

A trip to Florence is incomplete without a visit to the Pinal County Historical Museum, which is dedicated to the history of Arizona's federal prisons and another excellent example of Victorian architecture in the town. With unique exhibitions, programs, and events, the Pinal County Historical Society that maintains the museum boasts an extensive display of heirlooms and artifacts from the early days of Florence in its collection. Preserving the history of Pinal Country and the surrounding Gila River Valley, this museum is a must for history buffs.

Just off Highway 79, you'll find St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, a stunning and peaceful attraction on North Saint Joseph's Way. The monastery has a beautiful, ornate interior and a large, flourishing garden encircling the smaller chapels within the compound. While highly photogenic, remember to respect the grounds and religious customs by adhering to their dress codes and not taking photos of the monks without their permission when visiting St. Anthony's.

Windmill Winery, an idyllic property with two lakes, a lakehouse, a pier, and a century-old barn is also well worth visiting after a long day of appreciating historic sites. The wine tasting room, open from Wednesday through Sunday, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a glass of locally-produced Arizona wine. Here, you can really feel and see the beauty of the Southwest.

Aside from the town's many historical buildings, there are also many other notable landmarks to visit around Florence, including Box Canyon, Martinez Canyon, and the Gila River. The Sonoran Desert is also one of the best places to view the largest cacti in America, as well as ample opportunities for exploration beyond the confines of the town itself. There's something for everyone in this Arizona gem of a city.