Payson

Images of America: Arizona

by Jayne Peace Pyle, Jinx Pyle

Beneath the escarpment of the Mogollon Rim in Gila County lies Payson, Arizona. Founded as Green Valley in 1882 by ranchers and miners, the town site of Payson was laid out by local blacksmith James C. Callaghan and local merchant and cattle rancher John C. Hise. Two years later, local rancher and Native American fighter Charlie Meadows founded the Payson Rodeo in a mid-town meadow, which ultimately became the world's oldest continuous rodeo. When the cattle and timber industries declined, Payson evolved into a retirement and tourist destination. People looking for places to hike, bike, fish, hunt, and camp are attracted to the Payson area, which is also popular for its festivals and historic sites. A replica of Zane Grey's cabin stands next to the local museum, and the Tonto Natural Bridge is just 11 miles outside of town.

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2010

About the author

Jayne Peace Pyle grew up on the Peace Ranch in Gisela, Arizona, and was part of a working cattle ranch for 50 years. She has ridden many roundups and has helped with bringing in wild cattle, branding, and shipping. If she wasn't part of the roundup crew, she was in the kitchen preparing meals for them. Jayne has also enjoyed going on lion and bear hunts. A fifth-generation descendant of Gila County pioneering families, Jayne has lived what she writes. Due to her lineage, she has a deep respect for the history and culture of the Southwest. She has heard the stories of people and places from her family and others like Glenn "Slim" Ellison and Marguerite Noble, who were close friends and mentors. Jayne is an outstanding researcher and genealogist who specializes in searching out and writing Arizona history. - See more at: http://www.gitarope.com/JaynePeacePyl...

Reviews

[Hawthorn Mineart · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of those general history photo books about towns that you see everywhere. I picked it up to read because I'm in Payson visiting family and it's interesting to know the history of the cowboy town up in the mountains north of Phoenix.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a great little town in Arizona!