Whiskey Row.
One Block of Old West History.
Whiskey Row 1905
Compliments of Sharlot Hall Museum
This poem by Gail Gardner sets the original flavor of Whiskey Row.
"Oh they starts her in at the Kaintucky bar,
at the head of Whiskey Row,
and they winds up down by the Depot House,
some 40 drinks below."
In The Beginning.
 Prescott was founded in 1864 when gold was discovered. It grew quickly as miners came in droves to discover their share of riches. Settlers came as did cowboys, gamblers and bawdy girls. It continued to grow and became the original territorial capital of the Arizona Territory. In fact, the historic Governor's Mansion is open to the public.
Prior to 1877, Whiskey Row was rumored to have been located a couple of blocks from today's location. So the story goes,
local employers and wives insisted the change because "customers" had to cross a foot bridge over Granite Creek to return home. During heavy rains some of the "annebriated" would fall into the creek and drown. Whiskey Row once had over 40 saloons. That's hard to imagine that so many drinking holes could fit into one small city block. Most of the "colorful" stories of Prescott's wild west days are centered upon what typically went on in, around and about Whiskey Row. Just imagine a Saturday night when miners, cowboys, outlaws, gamblers and town folks stirred up the dust on the dirt street trying to decide which saloon or bawdy spot fit the interest of the evening.
The Day Whiskey Row Burned Down.
No one seems to know why, but in July of 1900, the entire block of Whiskey Row burned down. Not wanting to be without the "watering holes" too long, new construction began within a few days. And being more "modern times", brick and mortar was used instead of wood and logs. Most of the buildings still standing today are the of the typical architecture of the early 20th Century.
Whiskey Row Today.
Prescott today is a "down-home" kinda place. Tranquil, relaxing and scenic beauty. But if there is any hustle-bustle in Prescott, Arizona.....it is on Whiskey Row in historic downtown. There is no longer 40 saloons, but there is a lot going on here. It's still the center of action and the place to experience the charm and history of Prescott where some natives still call it "Preskit".
Most of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places including "The Palace Saloon" which is the same place that served libations to Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp who are most famous for their role in the Gunfight at the OK Corral in Old Tombstone, Arizona.
When visiting Prescott AZ, make sure you have time to visit historic downtown and its Whiskey Row. You'll discover fine dining, bar and grills, boutique shopping, galleries and antique shops. Whiskey Row also hosts most of Prescott's annual celebrations and events such as Frontier Days with its World's Oldest Rodeo, Old West Oktoberfest, the Acker Musical Showcase, the Christmas Parade, the Courthouse Lighting during the holidays and other exciting occasions.
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