Sedona, Arizona is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and breathtaking natural beauty.
However, beyond the picturesque landscapes, this unique region is full of fascinating facts that may surprise even the most seasoned traveler.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and little-known tidbits about Sedona Red Rock Country.
From its geological origins to its cultural significance, Sedona is a place of wonder and mystery.
Did you know that the famous red rocks are actually the remnants of an ancient sea floor that was pushed up by tectonic forces millions of years ago?
Or that Sedona is home to a number of energy vortexes, believed by some to be centers of spiritual power?
We’ll also delve into the rich history of the area, including its importance to Native American tribes and its role as a filming location for classic Hollywood westerns.
History of Sedona Red Rock Country
The history of Sedona Red Rock Country is rich and diverse, with evidence of human presence in the region dating back to around 4000 BC.
Early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who roamed the area, followed by the Hohokam people, who began farming the dry desert soils as early as 300 BC.
They developed irrigation canals by 700 AD but mysteriously abandoned the region later.
The Sinagua Indians settled in Sedona from around 1000 to 1400 AD, constructing pueblos and cliff dwellings while engaging in trade with tribes from the Pacific coast and northern Mexico.
In 1901, T.C. and Sedona Schnebly settled in the area, opening a lodge and restaurant that catered to early tourists.
T.C. became the first postmaster of the region, and when residents expressed concerns about slow mail service, he filed for a post office.
The name Sedona was chosen for the post office, honoring T.C.’s wife, and was officially established on June 26, 1902, marking a significant turning point in the area’s identity.
The allure of Sedona Red Rock Country caught the attention of Hollywood in the 1940s and 50s, when classic westerns began to be filmed against the backdrop of its stunning landscapes.
With that said let’s have a look at some captivating facts about Sedona Red Rock Country;
1. Sedona is located in the Upper Sonoran Desert of northern Arizona at an elevation of 4500 feet.
2. Evidence of human presence in the Sedona region dates back to around 4000 BC when hunter-gatherers roamed the area.
3. The Hohokam people began farming the dry desert soils as early as 300 BC, developing irrigation canals by 700 AD before mysteriously abandoning the region.
4. The Sinagua Indians settled in Sedona from around 1000 to 1400 AD, building pueblos, cliff dwellings, and trading with tribes from the Pacific coast and northern Mexico.
5. In 1901, T.C. and Sedona Schnebly settled in the area, opening a lodge and restaurant for early tourists.
6. T.C. Schnebly became the first postmaster, and when residents complained about slow mail service, he filed for a post office.
7. The name “Sedona” was chosen for the post office, named after T.C.’s wife, and officially established on June 26, 1902.
8. Sedona began to develop as a tourist destination, vacation-home and retirement center in the 1950s.
9. Most of the development seen today was constructed in the 1980s and 1990s.
10. As of 2007, there are no large tracts of undeveloped land remaining in Sedona.
11. In 1956, construction of the Chapel of the Holy Cross was completed, rising 70 feet out of a 1,000-foot redrock cliff.
12. Sedona played host to more than sixty Hollywood productions from the first years of movies into the 1970s.
13. Films such as Angel and the Badman, Desert Fury, Blood on the Moon, Johnny Guitar, The Last Wagon, 3:10 to Yuma and Broken Arrow were shot in Sedona.
14. The Brins Fire, a wildfire started by campers, burned 4,317 acres in Sedona in June 2006.
15. The median income for a household in Sedona was $44,042, and the median income for a family was $52,659 as of the 2010 census.
16. John J. Thompson moved to Oak Creek Canyon in 1876, an area well known for its peach and apple orchards.
17. In 1879, the Abraham James family became the first residents of the immediate community, which was destined to be called Camp Garden, and then Sedona.
18. Abraham James named many of Sedona’s famous red rock formations, including Bell Rock, Steamboat Rock, Court Rock and Church Rock.
19. Beaver Head Stage Station was built near Dry Beaver Creek in 1876, located on the old road from Winslow to Yuma.
20. Richard Huckaby appears to have been the first Anglo to live permanently within what is now Red Rock State Park, granted a homestead patent in 1900.
21. In the 1970s, a developer purchased the remaining 330+ acres of the Smoke Trail Ranch with plans for a resort complex, but lost the property due to funding issues.
22. Eckankar, a religious group, became owner of the property in 1976 and was developing it as a religious retreat.
23. Red Rock State Park was established in 1991 after a land exchange between the state and Anamax Mining Company.
24. The park’s 286 acres were purchased by Anamax Mining Company in 1981 for $5,148,000.
25. Over 125 individuals attended the public presentation of the park’s master plan in Sedona and expressed support for it.
26. Sedona’s red rocks were formed over millions of years as sand and sediment accumulated at the bottom of an ancient sea.
27. The red color comes from the oxidized iron minerals deposited in the sand and sediment.
28. The Schnebly Formation, a layer of dark red sandstone, is unique to the Sedona area.
29. Sedona’s red rocks help reflect the sunrise beautifully, enhance the sunsets’ glow, and make everything in between more remarkable.
30. Sedona is home to a number of energy vortexes, believed by some to be centers of spiritual power.
31. The town lent its name to the 2011 film Sedona, which is set in the community.
32. Sedona is the home to the nationally recognized McDonald’s with turquoise arches, instead of the traditional Golden Arches.
33. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was designed by architect Augustus Schoenheit and completed in 1956.
34. Sedona’s red rocks form a popular backdrop for many activities, ranging from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.
35. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the town’s rich history and unique stories.
36. Sedona’s stunning red rock formations continue to attract millions of visitors each year, captivating all who witness their natural beauty.
37. The area’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes makes Sedona Red Rock Country a truly remarkable destination.
38. Sedona’s red rocks are a staple of the western United State’s landscape, found throughout the region, including the Grand Canyon.
Conclusion
Sedona Red Rock Country is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and intriguing geological features.
From its ancient roots with Native American tribes to its emergence as a modern tourist haven, Sedona offers a wealth of experiences for visitors and residents alike.
The iconic red rock formations not only provide breathtaking views but also serve as a backdrop for countless outdoor adventures, artistic expressions, and spiritual explorations.
Whether you’re hiking the trails, visiting art galleries, or experiencing the energy vortexes, Sedona invites you to connect with its enchanting spirit.
