The History

Ancient tribes and Spanish missionaries. Fur trappers and gold-seekers. Mountain men and pioneering families. They’re all part of the story of Show Low and the White Mountains.

A story that continues today.

The Story

Chapter 1: Discovering a Rich History
The history of Show Low, the White Mountains and the land that’s home to Show Low Bluff is as rich as any part of the western United States.

Chapter 2: Settling the Bluff in Ancient Times
Scientists believe the so-called “ancient ones” first discovered the green meadow and meandering creek at the foot of the bluff around 22,000 years ago.

Chapter 3: Seeking Gold and Souls
In 1540, the first Spanish expedition ventured through eastern Arizona searching for a legendary city of gold, and Franciscan missionaries followed.

Chapter 4: Claiming for Country, Scouting for Territory
After the Mexican-American War, the U.S. took possession of the land that would become Arizona—a region explored by surveyors, mountain men and others.

Chapter 5: Proclaiming Permanence: C. E. Cooley
He was a soldier, an army scout, a prospector and a farmer. But Corydon E. Cooley is best remembered as the man who founded Show Low.

Chapter 6: Naming a Ranch and City
In 1876, C.E. Cooley bet on a round of cards for the ranch he owned with his partner. To win, he had to play a low card, and “show low” he did.

Chapter 7: Homesteading on Cornmeal and Sweat
Despite many hardships, a fledgling community began to take shape through the perseverance of Show Low’s first pioneering families.

Chapter 8: Living in Peace Among the Apache
The new homesteaders and the Western Apache lived close to each other, settled land disputes amiably and traded a variety of goods.

Chapter 9: Ranching, Rustling and Chinese Cooking
The coming of the railroad brought herds of cattle, range wars and colorful characters, including one wealthy rancher with his own Asian chef.