Love Arizona? Enjoy walking? Appreciate history? You don’t want to miss visiting historic Florence – one of the oldest towns in the state – on this self-guided Arizona walking tour!
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Visiting historic Florence on a self-guided Arizona walking tour
Florence, Arizona, settled in 1866 by Civil War veteran, Indian agent, and storekeeper Levi Ruggles, is steeped in history.
By the late 1800s, the town blossomed into a green desert oasis thanks to the prosperity of the nearby Silver King Mine, which struck it big in 1875. By 1878, Florence had earned the nickname “The Garden City.” Today, historical buildings help tell the tale of Florence’s heydays.
The best way to experience its charm? Lace up your walking shoes and set off on this fascinating Arizona walking tour.
Start at McFarland State Park and Visitor Center
Your journey begins at McFarland State Park, home to Florence’s first courthouse and a great introduction to the town’s rich past.
Why is this unassuming adobe structure now part of an Arizona state park?
Because of “Mac.”
Ernest W. McFarland—a U.S. Senator, Governor of Arizona, and Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice—left an impressive legacy. Known for championing Arizona’s state park system, Mac and his wife Edna bought the old courthouse in 1974, donating it to the state to preserve its story.
Fun facts about McFarland State Park:
- The building is Arizona’s oldest standing courthouse open for public tours.
- It’s also the state’s largest adobe structure from the Territorial Period.
- The park tells two key stories: one about the courthouse itself, and another about Ernest W. “Mac” McFarland’s remarkable contributions to Florence, Arizona, and the United States.
- This building – like many properties in the town of Florence – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After exploring the courthouse, step outside and get ready to wander the historic streets of Florence.
Florence, Arizona walking tour map
We started with a photocopied version of the Historic Florence walking tour map available for free at the visitor center or online, added a few properties not on the map, took out a couple more that no longer existed – and came up with our own version.
- First Pinal County Courthouse
- Site of Levi Ruggles first home
- George A. Brown house
- Ross/Fryer – Cushman residence
- Silver King Hotel
- E. N. Fish & Co. store
- W.C. Smith and Co. building
- W.C. Smith building /Florence market
- Mauk Building
- C. G. Powell People’s Store
- White-McCarthy Lumber and Hardware company
- William Clark House
- John P. Clum house
- Florence Woman’s Club
- John Zellweger house
- Emma Monk Guild house
- Giovaninna Young residence
- “New” Courthouse
- Jesus Preciado de Luna/Bernardina Lorona residence
- Elena Llescas house
- John Nicholas Saloon and Beer Hall
- Nicholas residence
- Cosgrove house
- Jacob Suter house
- Conrad Brunenkant building
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
- La Capilla del Gila First Church of the Assumption
- Walker-Oury house
- Carmen Lucera bouse
- Michea house & Lone Star general store
Map in hand, follow this one-and-a-half mile (2.4 km) loop through downtown Florence. Along the way, you’ll encounter colorful characters, architectural gems, and fascinating stories that bring Florence’s history to life.
Love RV travel and walking tours?
Check out our Canadian self-guided walking tours in St. John’s NL and Nelson, BC.
Look out for historic plaques at each site—they offer intriguing tidbits about Florence’s past, from silent film stars to Union spies!
Sneak peek at some of the walking tour highlights you’ll discover
1. First Pinal County Courthouse (McFarland State Park)
Your starting point and a symbol of Florence’s early days.
2. Levi Ruggles’ first home site
Visit the spot where Florence’s founder first laid down roots in 1866.
10. C.G. Powell People’s Store (Now Ruggiero’s Ace Hardware)
Admire the red-brick exterior, pressed-metal ceilings, and ornate island display case inside this turn-of-the-century general store.
12. William Clark House
Home of Silver King Mine engineer William Clark, it blends Victorian and Southwestern architectural influences.
14. Florence Woman’s Club
A pillar of the Florence community since 1914—and still active today!
18. The “New” Courthouse
Completed in 1891, this stately courthouse reflects Florence’s growing prosperity during the mining boom.
21. John Nicholas Saloon & Beer Hall
The oldest, standing, fired-brick building in Florence
26. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
Built in 1912, this stunning church showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
27. La Capilla del Gila
Visit the site of Florence’s very first Catholic church, built in the 1860s.
30. Michea House and Lone Star General Store
One of Florence’s oldest standing brick buildings, dating back to 1880.
Meet Florence’s storied residents
As you walk, you’ll also encounter the stories of larger-than-life figures who left their mark on Florence:
- Pauline Cushman – Union spy and actress turned Florence resident.
- Tom Mix – Silent film star and Old West legend.
- Jesus Preciado de Luna – who built built a sweet little adobe house for his wife and put the title in her name because, according to Spanish tradition, it was the polite thing to do.
- John P. Clum – Founder of The Tombstone Epitaph and editor of Florence’s first newspaper.
- John Zellweger – founder of the First National Bank of Florence and son of one of the owners of Steam Pump Ranch north of Tucson.
- George Mauk – Architect, U.S. marshal, and movie theater owner.
- “By God” Brown – Known for his commanding voice and favorite exclamation!
Practical Tips for Your Arizona Walking Tour
- Pick up a map: Free at McFarland State Park, available online, or take a picture of our version.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking on pavement and occasionally uneven sidewalks.
- Pack a hat, water, and sunscreen: Florence’s desert climate doesn’t always play nice, especially in the summer.
- Allow 1-2 hours (including your visit to McFarland State Park): Depending on your pace and how often you stop to explore.
Experience the Best of Arizona History
Trip back in time on this walking tour in Florence, Arizona. It offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a must-do for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good story.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to historic Florence and discover Arizona’s rich history, one step at a time.
Pin this self-guided walking tour for future reference!
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