Welcome to the Cowboy Cradle of the Southwest. Founded in 1866, Florence is an Arizona "Main Street" town. An original Old West mining town, Florence is centrally located at the Junction of U.S. Highway 79 and Arizona 287 just 61 miles from downtown Phoenix and 70 miles from Tucson.

While miners and cowboys whooped it up and the ex-sheriff and his ex-deputy shot it out on Main Street, the more sedate citizens tried to bring civility, culture and religion to Florence. There were always dances at the courthouse or musicales at Mrs. Clarke’s house. Townsfolk worshipped at the chapel of the Gila or gathered for Protestant services at the adobe courthouse.

By 1891, the town constructed an early fired red brick American Victorian courthouse to meet expanding needs. The building ran over budget and funds for the clock in the tower were diverted to build a new jail. The clock face is only painted on and always reads 11:44. This courthouse appears on the town seal and is a visible landmark as one enters the town from all directions. County government offices provide many jobs. By 1909, the territorial prison was moved from Yuma to Florence and is now a large complex of buildings. Other private prisons, an immigration center and a juvenile detention center add to the economic basis of Florence.

As the Coolidge dam was completed in 1930, farming became a major industry with the access to irrigation. Ranching and feed lots gave birth to vibrant rodeo culture. The Junior Parada is a major national rodeo that continues to this day. Florence launched the careers of many well known rodeo stars and deserves its name as the COWBOY CRADLE OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST.

A natural scenic location, a rich Wild West heritage and in a position for large growth and development, historic Florence welcomes all visitors. Whether you drop by for a day or a weekend or make Florence your home, the door to Florence friendship is always open.