Sign in Using FacebookFlagstaff Guide » More About Flagstaff: Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
- Science-fiction often purveys the frightening possibilities of meteor impacts on the earth. Northern Arizona has been there, done that although, thankfully, ages ago. The crater's well-preserved outline spans a mile and is a favorite destination of sightseeing tourists. More than just a showpiece, though, it was used by NASA to train and familiarize astronauts of the Apollo missions on the possible terrain of the moon.
- Along with Flagstaff's western charm and natural beauty, one of its most memorable qualities is the sound of trains moving about. Around 130 freight trains pass through town daily, advertising their presence with whistles and clacking rails. In addition, Flagstaff sits at the junction of Interstates 40 and 17 and Highways 180 and 89, making it a transportation center for both passenger vehicles and transfer trucks.
- Foiled again! Don't let Northern Arizona's summer schedules get the best of you. When planning visits to attractions, remember that Arizona doesn't observe daylight savings time. Instead, Mountain Standard time is the constant rule of thumb except, of course, for one exception. The Navajo people in the state's northeast quadrant give heed to the time change.
- The discovery of the ninth planet brought longlasting fame to Flagstaff. Lowell Observatory, founded by Percival Lowell, a mathematician from a wealthy Boston family, was located to take advantage of the Southwest's dark skies. It was also intended to further research into life on Mars, Lowell's particular passion. Although Lowell himself speculated on a planet beyond Neptune's orbit, Clyde Tombaugh, another astronomer, actually made the discovery. In the end, however, Lowell earned a bit of eternal (though subtle) fame "Pluto" actually incorporates his initials into its name.
- Flagstaff, or "Flag" as it's known to locals, is both desert and not desert. Sitting high atop the Colorado Plateau, the city rests at 7000 feet and boasts four seasons, including warm summers and relatively cool winters. It also gets an abundance of sunshine year-round, a blessing to tourists who flock to the area for its pristine pine forests and incredibly scenery.
- Built in 1926, Hotel Monte Vista quickly became a favored lodging destination in young, rustic Flagstaff. During the mid-20th century, the picturesque region was frequented by directors filming Westerns, and many Hollywood stars resided at the hotel, including Gary Cooper and Jane Russell. A scene from "Casablanca" was even filmed in the Monte Vista. Legend also has it that more than a few ghosts haunt the hotel, victims of both natural and unnatural causes.
- Legendary Route 66, probably America's best-known highway, was famous for its roadside attractions and local color. With the advent of interstates, 66 took a backseat to development. However, the road still exists, and its fame is being reclaimed by cities along its circuit. In Flagstaff, for example, Route 66 was renamed to Santa Fe Avenue, although recent efforts have reversed the change. Today, you'll see both monikers in use.
- If cultural pursuits are on your agenda, Coconino Center for the Arts is the locus of area artistic endeavors. It offers performance and gallery spaces, along with a gift shop and a full schedule of seminars, events, and shows. Adjacent is the Arts Barn, which carries a terrific selection of Native American crafts and artwork. Pottery, jewelry, rugs, paintings, kachina dolls, photographs, and books are among the items you'll find and want for souvenirs.
- In the 19th century, folks taming the West explored ways to cross the arid terrain, laden with cargo. The answer: camels. These "ships of the desert" proved sturdy and dependable and didn't need much water. Eventually, though, the camel's bad temper, unpleasant smell, and spitting habit pushed folks to favor the horse. Even after camels were abandoned, people reported seeing them in the wild as late as the 1950s, and some towns still have legislation about them. In Flagstaff, for example, still-extant laws are said to prohibit camels from being hunted. Go figure...
- A setting conducive to all sorts of outdoor opportunities graces Flagstaff, and visitors take advantage of it to ski, hike, camp, fish, and bike. Signature features of the landscape include the extensive ponderosa pine forest that surrounds the town and the nearby San Francisco Peaks, which boast the state's highest point, some 12,600 feet atop Humphreys Peak.
Eat Out and Save Money!
