History of Sedona from 1980 to 1998

1980s: Growth and Development

During the 1980s, Sedona continued to grow both as a residential community and as a tourist destination. The area’s natural beauty attracted artists, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Development in West Sedona expanded, with more businesses, shopping centers, and housing developments to accommodate the growing population.

Sedona as a Film Location

Sedona’s unique red rock formations have long made it a popular location for Hollywood films. While the town’s cinematic heyday was in the 1940s and 1950s, the 1980s saw a continuation of Sedona’s use as a backdrop for movies, commercials, and photography, contributing to its fame and tourism appeal.

New Age Movement

The late 1980s marked an increase in the New Age movement’s presence in Sedona. The town became known for its “vortex” sites, which are believed by some to be centers of energy conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. This reputation helped establish Sedona as a spiritual and metaphysical destination.

1990s: Environmental Advocacy and Tourism

As tourism continued to grow, there was a heightened focus on preserving Sedona’s natural environment. Efforts to protect the red rocks and surrounding wilderness areas became a priority for local activists and conservation groups. The Sedona Chamber of Commerce also played a role in promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Incorporation as a City

In 1988, Sedona was officially incorporated as a city, which allowed for more local control over development and land use. The new city government faced the challenge of balancing growth with the preservation of the town’s natural beauty and small-town character.

Cultural and Artistic Expansion

Throughout the 1990s, Sedona’s cultural scene flourished with the establishment of new art galleries, music and film festivals, and the opening of the Sedona Arts Center. The city became a haven for artists and creators, further diversifying its economy and tourist offerings.

History of Sedona from 1999 to 2020

1999: Y2K and Technology

As the new millennium approached, Sedona, like many other communities worldwide, prepared for the potential impacts of the Y2K bug. While fears of widespread technological failure were not realized, the focus on technology marked a shift towards the modernization of local businesses and services.

Early 2000s: Growth Management

With the turn of the century, Sedona’s popularity continued to rise, leading to concerns about over-tourism and its effects on the environment and infrastructure. The city implemented growth management strategies and worked on improving traffic conditions to maintain the quality of life for residents and visitors.

2002: The Sedona International Film Festival

The Sedona International Film Festival, which started in the mid-1990s, gained prominence in the early 2000s as a significant cultural event. The festival attracted filmmakers, celebrities, and tourists, further establishing Sedona as a destination for the arts.

Mid-2000s: Economic Challenges and Recovery

Like much of the United States, Sedona felt the impact of the economic recession in the late 2000s. The local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, faced challenges, but eventually rebounded as conditions improved and tourism numbers increased again.

Sustainable Tourism Efforts

Sedona’s government, businesses, and community groups increased their focus on sustainable tourism to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of the tourism industry. Initiatives to reduce traffic, conserve water, and promote responsible tourism practices were implemented.

2012: Sedona Community Plan Update

The Sedona Community Plan, a vision for the city’s future developed by residents, was updated in 2012. This plan addressed land use, housing, transportation, and economic development, emphasizing sustainability and quality of life.

2020: The COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic affected Sedona significantly. Travel restrictions and health concerns led to a temporary decline in tourism, impacting the local economy. Sedona adapted by promoting outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing, and the city’s natural attractions became a selling point in a time when indoor activities were limited.

Throughout these two decades, Sedona’s history was marked by a balancing act between development and preservation, economic challenges and resilience, and a commitment to maintaining the unique character that makes it a special place for both residents and visitors.

History of Sedona from 1960 to 1979

1960s: Growth and Recognition

In the 1960s, Sedona continued to grow as a quiet, artsy community. The town’s scenic beauty and tranquil environment attracted artists, retirees, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The population began to increase more rapidly, leading to the development of new residential areas and local businesses to support the budding community.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, was completed in 1956 and continued to draw visitors throughout the 1960s. This architectural wonder, built into the red rocks, became a symbol of the area’s blend of natural beauty and human creativity.

Tourism Expansion

Tourism steadily increased, as more people became aware of Sedona’s unique red rock formations and the serene Oak Creek Canyon. The town’s reputation as a place of natural beauty and spiritual renewal began to spread, drawing visitors from across the country and eventually from around the world.

Infrastructure Development

With the growth in tourism and the population, Sedona’s infrastructure began to expand. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the city saw improvements in roads, the construction of new commercial centers, and the establishment of community services.

Cultural Development

Sedona’s cultural scene blossomed during this period. Art galleries, local theaters, and cultural organizations were established, laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving arts community.

Environmental Conservation

As Sedona grew, there was a growing consciousness about the need to preserve its stunning landscapes. Environmental groups became more active, leading to the establishment of conservation measures to protect the area’s natural resources from overdevelopment.

History of Sedona from 1930 to 1959

1930s: The Great Depression

The 1930s were challenging years for Sedona, as the Great Depression affected the entire United States. However, the area’s isolation meant that the economic downturn didn’t have as severe an impact as it did in more developed regions. Sedona remained a small, relatively unknown ranching and farming community during this time.

Arrival of Artists

By the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Sedona began to attract artists and visionaries who were drawn to the town’s majestic beauty and peaceful surroundings. This creative influx marked the beginning of Sedona’s reputation as an artist colony.

World War II Impact

During World War II, the United States saw many of its resources redirected to the war effort, and Sedona was no exception. Though remote, the area felt the impact of the war with many of its residents serving in the military and the economy focusing on supporting the war effort.

Post-War Development

Following the end of World War II, the United States experienced economic growth and a surge in domestic travel. Sedona’s tourism industry began to take off as more Americans had the means to travel and were seeking new destinations to explore.

Film Industry Presence

Sedona’s dramatic landscapes caught the attention of Hollywood in the 1950s, and it became a favored location for Western films. Classics such as “Johnny Guitar” (1954) and “Broken Arrow” (1950) were filmed in the area, showcasing Sedona’s scenery to audiences nationwide and furthering its allure as a place to visit.

Building of the Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of the most significant events in Sedona during the 1950s was the construction of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel was completed in 1956 and quickly became a major landmark and tourist attraction in Sedona.

The decades from the 1930s to the 1970s were transformative for Sedona, setting the stage for its evolution from a remote and quiet ranching area to a burgeoning community known for its natural beauty, artistic presence, and cultural significance.

History of Sedona from 1900 to 1928

Early 20th Century Development

In the early 1900s, Sedona remained a relatively isolated and undeveloped area. With no railroads or major roads leading into the region, access was challenging. The community was small, and the economy was primarily based on agriculture and ranching.

Naming of Sedona

In 1902, as the community began to establish a post office, there was a need for a name. The area was named “Sedona” after Sedona Miller Schnebly, the wife of the city’s first postmaster, Theodore Carlton Schnebly. Sedona’s mother, Amanda Miller, claimed to have made up the name because it sounded pretty.

Agricultural Community

During the first quarter of the 20th century, the Sedona area’s primary industries were fruit farming and cattle ranching. The region’s orchards were known for their peaches and apples, which farmers were able to transport and sell in other areas, thanks to the relatively mild climate and the availability of water from Oak Creek.

Road Access Improvements

In 1914, the road that is now known as State Route 89A was completed, connecting Sedona to Flagstaff and Prescott. This improved access began to bring more settlers into the area, and it also made it easier for tourists to reach Sedona and enjoy its natural beauty.

Impact of World War I

World War I (1914-1918) had a minimal direct impact on Sedona due to its remote location. However, the war did affect the broader economic conditions of the country, which would have had indirect effects on the community.

Increased Tourism

By the 1920s, the United States had entered a period of economic prosperity known as the “Roaring Twenties,” and with the advent of the automobile, Americans began exploring the West in greater numbers. Sedona’s striking scenery started to attract tourists, and the area became known for its outdoor recreation opportunities.

History of Sedona from 1850 to 1899

Mid-19th Century Settlement

Before the 1850s, the area that is now Sedona was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache. It wasn’t until the mid to late 19th century that European-American settlers began to establish a presence in the Verde Valley region.

Homesteading and Ranching

The first Anglo settlers, J.J. Thompson and his family, claimed a homestead in Oak Creek Canyon in 1876. Other settlers followed, drawn by the potential for farming and ranching. These early pioneers often faced challenges from the local Native American tribes and the harsh living conditions.

Military Presence and Conflict

During this period, the United States Army established forts in the region to protect settlers and to control the Native American population. This led to the displacement of many indigenous people from their ancestral lands.

Late 19th Century Growth

By the late 19th century, more settlers arrived in the area, and small-scale agriculture and ranching became more established. Communities began to form, and the foundations of a local economy started to take shape.

Infrastructure and Communities

Basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges began to be developed towards the end of the 19th century, which allowed for better connections between the Sedona area and the rest of Arizona. Small communities formed around water sources and fertile land, setting the stage for future growth.

During these two periods, from 1850 to 1928, Sedona transitioned from a land inhabited by Native American tribes to a nascent agricultural community that would begin to attract tourists with its natural beauty and tranquil environment. This period laid the groundwork for Sedona’s development in the 20th century.

History of Sedona before 1850

The history of the Sedona area before 1850 is primarily the history of Native American presence in the region. Before the arrival of European-American settlers, various Native American tribes inhabited and traversed the land now known as Sedona for thousands of years.

Prehistoric Peoples

The earliest known inhabitants of the Sedona area were Paleo-Indians, who were hunter-gatherers living in the region as far back as 11,500 BC. Over time, as the climate changed and the landscape evolved, these early peoples adapted their lifestyles.

The Sinagua Culture

The Sinagua, a name derived from the Spanish words “sin agua,” meaning “without water,” were a pre-Columbian culture that settled in the region around 650 AD. They are known for their agricultural practices, trade networks, and masonry pueblo dwellings. The Sinagua left behind impressive ruins, including cliff dwellings and petroglyphs that can still be seen today in areas around Sedona.

The Sinagua were skilled farmers, managing to cultivate crops like corn, beans, and squash in the arid environment using irrigation and dry farming techniques. They were also accomplished traders, exchanging goods with far-flung cultures. Their civilization thrived until approximately the 1400s, after which they mysteriously left the area, possibly due to drought, resource depletion, or other environmental stresses.

Yavapai and Apache Tribes

After the departure of the Sinagua, the Yavapai and Apache tribes moved into the region. These groups were more nomadic and less reliant on agriculture, focusing on hunting and gathering. They had a strong spiritual connection to the land, which was rich in plant and animal life.

The Yavapai are divided into four groups: the Tonto, the Wipukpaya, the Kwevkepaya, and the Yavepe. Each group had its own territory and lifestyle, with the Yavapai of the Sedona area mostly being of the Tonto or Wipukpaya bands.

European and American Exploration

It wasn’t until the 16th century that Europeans made contact with the region, with Spanish explorers and missionaries passing through what is now Arizona. However, due to the remoteness and ruggedness of the Sedona area, significant European presence and influence were minimal until much later.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Spanish and, later, Mexicans had established settlements in southern Arizona but did not significantly impact the Sedona region. It was not until after the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the subsequent Gadsden Purchase in 1853 that the area that comprises present-day Arizona and Sedona became part of the United States.

The Naming of Sedona

Before the name “Sedona” was coined in the early 20th century, the area was known by various names and terms used by the indigenous peoples and the few explorers and trappers who passed through.

In summary, prior to 1850, Sedona’s history is marked by the rich cultures of Native American tribes who lived in harmony with the challenging environment of the region. Their legacies are an integral part of the area’s heritage, with archaeological sites preserving the story of these ancient peoples. The natural beauty that drew these early inhabitants would eventually attract settlers and lead to the development of the Sedona known today.