Roadside History of Arizona (Roadside History Series) [Paperback]

Marshall Trimble (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2004

Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman visited Arizona in the summer of 1880. A promoter made the mistake of asking him what he thought of the place. Too damn hot and dry, Sherman declared. All she needs, the promoter said soothingly, is less heat, more water, and a few good citizens. Hunh, Sherman said. That s all hell needs. (From Roadside History of Arizona, The last of the lower forty-eight to gain statehood in 1912, Arizona now tops lists of the best places to live and visit. For the history behind that reversal, join Arizona s official state historian and beloved ranconteur Marshall Trimble on the state s highways and byways. Along the way meet Fathers Eusebio Kino and Francisco Garces, Non-Assessable Smith, Ned Beale and his camels, Nellie Bush and her steamboats, Great Western Sarah Bowman, and the Navajo code talkers. Find out why Why s called Why; where Arizona s Civil War battlefields are; what happens at the Zuni River Reservation, where no Zuni live; and the possible whereabouts of the Lost Six-Shooter Mine. From Fredonia to Naco, Oatman to Show Low, Ganado to the London Bridge, visitors, newcomers, and old-timers alike will delight in this classic of history and travel, originally published in 1986, now updated, expanded, and redesigned.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Marshall Trimble should call this book Arizona Express. It s just like your American Express card. Don t leave home without it. --Ed Phillips, former Arizona state senator and TV personality

A valuable research tool that is also a joy to read. --Dean Smith, historian and author

Product Details

• Paperback: 489 pages
• Publisher: Mountain Press Publishing Company; 2nd edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878424717
• ISBN-13: 978-0878424719
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource for the Arizona traveler, September 19, 2000

By 

John "John" (PHOENIX, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Roadside History of Arizona (Paperback)

If you travel around Arizona (or even if you don't) this book is a nice resource to have. Most of Arizona's major roadways are covered and the author does a nice job of describing historical events that occurred at various locations. Before I bought this book, I passed many historic locations and was never even aware of it. Now when I travel around the state, I can point out these historic places or explain the history behind various small towns or landmarks (whether my fellow passengers like it or not). I've read several of Trimble's books and this is the one that I refer back to the most.

Another reviewer stated that there were inaccuracies in this book. Not being a historian, I can't comment on that. As someone who has read many books on Arizona history, I must admit that it is annoying to read one book about an event, then read another one that gives a very different account. Unfortunately that is the frustrating part about history - parts of it seem to become lost or reinterpreted as the years pass.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for road trips!, August 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Roadside History of Arizona (Paperback)

This book gives you information about many Arizona towns and cities. What I liked is that Mr. Trimble explains the history of the towns, even those small ones in the middle of nowhere. He explains who founded the towns, how and why, and gives you the background on the people involved. Mr. Trimble's writing style is humorous, easy to read, and fun! This book is a must for anyone traveling Arizona's roads!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arizona in a nutshell, February 7, 2002

By 

Dittohead (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roadside History of Arizona (Paperback)

This is the best book about Arizona, and I've read quite a few. You can certainly read this book straight through (you'll find some duplication of stories because of the format), but the book is best read when travelling around the state (turn to whatever highway you happen to be on - while someone else is driving!) or by just opening to any page and starting to read. You'll be amazed at all the information contained herein!

From the capital city of Phoenix to tiny state route 73 (Carrizo to McNary), something happened practically everywhere in Arizona - and this book will tell you what it was and when it did.

An excellent book by an excellent author! This book, Marshall Trimble's best, is highly recommended for anyone in Arizona who wants to learn more about his state, and for anyone outside Arizona who wants to know what all the fuss is about.

**** SECOND EDITION ****

The second edition is now available! In addition to the updates you'd normally expect in a second edition, there is also a lot of new material! Also, the maps are vastly improved so you can tell exactly where everything is! If you DON'T own the first edition, make sure you get this one! If you DO own the first edition, make sure you get this one anyway!