An area steeped in history and culture, Prescott long remained a part of the wild untamed west. The discovery of gold in 1838 brought many into an area already occupied by the Yavapai Tribe, who still inhabit the area today. Established as the first territorial capital in 1864, the streets of downtown Prescott demonstrate the effects of the earliest efforts at city planning. On hikes of the surrounding forest and mountain areas, one can see petroglyphs and pictographs, evidence of the first inhabitants. Their influence, along with that of Mexico, the pioneers and later settlers can be seen in the variety of architecture throughout the town. To learn more of our colorful past, spend a day at Sharlot Hall Museum, where our entire history has been carefully documented and preserved.