Ash Fork

Images of America: Arizona

by Marshall Trimble

The tiny community of Ash Fork lies on the juniper-studded hills some 15 miles west of Bill Williams Mountain. Founded in 1882 when the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was laying tracks for a transcontinental railroad, Ash Fork became an important rail junction by 1895 when another new line was built, this one south to Phoenix. The storied Route 66 opened in 1926 and U.S. Highway 89 not long after, making Ash Fork the most important link between Northern and Southern Arizona by both rail and highway. By the mid-20th century, however, rail routes changed and Interstate 40 opened a half-mile south of town, stopping overnight the flow of traffic through Ash Fork. While many residents were forced to leave, those who remained stubbornly refused to concede defeat. As the new century dawned, the citizens of Ash Fork had developed a new community spirit and hopes for a brighter future.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2008

Reviews

[R.J. Sloane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash Fork’s Fiery Past Brought to Life
This book offers a well-rounded look at the rise, fall, and resilience of a small Arizona town that’s seen more than its share of flames. The historical photos and local stories give it real texture, especially when covering the string of devastating fires that shaped the town’s identity. For western fiction writers, it’s a great reference for capturing the grit and spirit of frontier communities that refused to quit.