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Arizona Place Names
Will Croft Barnes (1858–1937) first came to Arizona as a cavalryman and went on to become a rancher, state legislator, and conservationist. From 1905 to 1935, his travels throughout the state, largely on horseback, enabled him to gather the anecdotes and geographical information that came to constitute Arizona Place Names.
For this first toponymic encyclopedia of Arizona, Barnes compiled information from published histories, federal and state government documents, and reminiscences of "old timers, Indians, Mexicans, cowboys, sheep-herders, historians, any and everybody who had a story to tell as to the origin and meaning of Arizona names." The result is a book chock full of oddments, humor, and now-forgotten lore, which belongs on the night table as well as in the glove compartment.
Barnes' original Arizona Place Names has become a booklover's favorite and is much in demand. The University of Arizona Press is pleased to reissue this classic of Arizoniana, which remains as useful and timeless as it was more than half a century ago.
For this first toponymic encyclopedia of Arizona, Barnes compiled information from published histories, federal and state government documents, and reminiscences of "old timers, Indians, Mexicans, cowboys, sheep-herders, historians, any and everybody who had a story to tell as to the origin and meaning of Arizona names." The result is a book chock full of oddments, humor, and now-forgotten lore, which belongs on the night table as well as in the glove compartment.
Barnes' original Arizona Place Names has become a booklover's favorite and is much in demand. The University of Arizona Press is pleased to reissue this classic of Arizoniana, which remains as useful and timeless as it was more than half a century ago.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
512 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 24, 2023
Interesting skim to this long time Arizona visitor. But Elephant Head and Pete Mountain are not the same place. No other errors detected.
March 3, 2009
I found this a fascinating read. No characters, no plot, just good clean insight on why places carry the names they do, and a little tidbit of history about them. Barnes provides, when possible, coordinates for each place; read with a descent map next to you and a whole new picture of Arizona is opened to your mind.
Example: The area just south of Snow Bowl, known as Fort Valley, was once the sight of the Fort Moroni Cattle Company. Cattle from the ranch were herded between Mormon Lake where the dairy was located and the ranch headquarters, where the summer range was located.
Example: The area just south of Snow Bowl, known as Fort Valley, was once the sight of the Fort Moroni Cattle Company. Cattle from the ranch were herded between Mormon Lake where the dairy was located and the ranch headquarters, where the summer range was located.
October 6, 2025
If you have an interest in the obscure places of Arizona - this tome is for you.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews