The Sedona Story

Sedona is undeniably one of the most beautiful areas of the country. People are powerlessly drawn to the red rocks after viewing images of Sedona in films and travel guides, and many folks end up planning additional trips and dreaming of the time when their brief experiences can be extended forever. Victoria Clark, a long-time TSW member and lifelong Arizonan who has lived in Sedona for 25 years, will present an engaging overview of the history of our area.

Settlements in Arizona usually began where a reliable source of water was present. The development of Sedona began in Oak Creek, when Native Americans discovered the area that is today called Indian Gardens. Indian Gardens had flat areas for farming, as well as fish and game that served as sources of food. Attracted by the water in Oak Creek, the temperate climate, and the possibilities of farming and ranching, the area that would become Sedona was born.

This story of Sedona history will include:

• The discovery of the area by Anglo farmers, who planted apple and peach farms using water from Oak Creek
• The arrival of the Schnebly family, T. Carl and Sedona, and their family — who farmed and developed Schnebly Hill Road to allow their produce to be sold in Flagstaff, while welcoming and housing visitors
• Why the town is named after Sedona Schnebly
• The arrival of the Walter Jordan family, who grew apples and peaches, and whose home and apple barn today house the Sedona Heritage Museum
• How Marguerite Brunswig Staude was able to build the Chapel of the Holy Cross with the help of Barry Goldwater
• How the film industry brought widespread interest to Sedona
• The building of Tlaquepaque and the development of Sedona as an art market
• The Cook’s Cedar Glade Cemetery, which was founded in 1918 and where Sedona’s pioneers are buried

Victoria is a former Pima Community College teacher, and has written four books on Arizona’s colorful history. She is a former board member of the Sedona Heritage Museum and delights in giving lectures on Arizona’s history. Her motto is “History with Humor” — people may forget dates and locations, but will always enjoy and remember a good story. Last August, Victoria was a guest on a podcast recorded from her front porch with views of the Bell and Courthouse Rock formations. The primary question received following the broadcast was whether what folks were seeing was real or AI. We are so fortunate that the beauty of Sedona is indeed real.