A brief history of Flagstaff
The first permanent settlement in Flagstaff was built in 1876. Flagstaff's population did not begin to expand until the mid 1880s when the sawmill and railroad started to bring jobs to the city. The sawmill opened in 1882 and became a major part of Flagstaff's economy. The sawmill company would eventually own many of the houses of Flagstaff, renting them out to its employees. By 1886 Flagstaff had grown to be the largest town on the rail line from Albuquerque to the West coast. In 1899 Northern Arizona University was established at the time it was called The Northern Arizona Normal School.
In 1926 Route 66 was completed adding a major highway to the city. With the addition of Route 66, Flagstaff became a major tourist destination. Soon, hotels began popping up as more and more tourists came to the city, due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon.
In 1926 Route 66 was completed adding a major highway to the city. With the addition of Route 66, Flagstaff became a major tourist destination. Soon, hotels began popping up as more and more tourists came to the city, due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon.