Sedona history

Origins and Foundation

Although the modern history of the city dates back to the late 19th century, these lands were inhabited long before the arrival of Europeans. From 900 to 1350 AD, the culture of the Sinagua people flourished here, leaving behind impressive cliff dwellings such as the Palatki and Honanki ruins.

The first permanent English-speaking settler is considered to be John J. Thompson, who established himself in Oak Creek Canyon in 1876. The official birth of the town is linked to 1902, when Theodore Carlton Schnebly opened a post office here. He named the settlement after his wife — Sedona Schnebly, as other name options were rejected by the postal service due to their length.

Key Factors of Development

Sedona's development was defined by a unique combination of geographical and natural conditions:

• Water Resources: The presence of Oak Creek in arid Arizona became a decisive factor, enabling agriculture and cattle ranching.
• Geological Features: The famous red sandstone rocks created natural isolation, but later became the city's main asset, attracting artists and tourists.
• Transport Accessibility: The initial distance from major highways contributed to the formation of a closed, self-sufficient community.

Early Culture and Economy

In the first decades of the 20th century, Sedona's economy was based on agriculture. The region was famous for its extensive orchards: local farmers grew magnificent apples and peaches, which were valued throughout the state.

A cultural and economic shift began in the 1940s and 50s when Hollywood directors chose Sedona's landscapes as backdrops for filming Westerns. This turned the quiet agrarian town into "Little Hollywood" and marked the beginning of the development of the tourism industry and the art community.

Chronology of Sedona's Development

• 1150–1350 — The Sinagua people construct complex cliff dwellings and create petroglyphs, traces of which have survived to this day.
• 1876 — John J. Thompson becomes the first permanent English-speaking settler in Oak Creek Canyon, laying the foundations for agriculture.
• 1902 — Theodore Schnebly opens the first post office and officially registers the name of the settlement in honour of his wife.
• 1923 — Filming of the silent movie "The Call of the Canyon" opens the region's picturesque landscapes to Hollywood.
• 1950 — Founding of the Sedona Arts Center, marking the start of the farming town's transformation into a cultural hub.
• 1956 — Construction is completed on the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly into the red rock massif.
• 1965 — A group of local painters founds the "Cowboy Artists of America" association, popularising Western art.
• 1980 — Medium Page Bryant identifies key energy vortexes, attracting a wave of spiritual seekers.
• 1988 — Sedona officially receives city status (incorporation), transitioning to municipal self-government.
• 2014 — The city is awarded the title of International Dark Sky Community, confirming ideal conditions for stargazing.

Stages of Sedona's Transformation

The city's development proceeded through several key stages, each of which radically changed its economic and cultural appearance:

• Agrarian Foundation (Early 20th Century)
  The creation of irrigation systems based on Oak Creek allowed for the planting of extensive apple and peach orchards. Significance: Horticulture provided the settlement with economic autonomy and formed the first sustainable community of farmers in the desert region.
• The "Little Hollywood" Era (1940–1950s)
  Unique landscapes became the scenery for dozens of cult Westerns ("Broken Arrow", "Johnny Guitar"). Significance: The film industry brought the first major investments and all-American fame to the city, paving the way for mass tourism.
• Rise of the Art Cluster (1960s)
  The founding of the "Cowboy Artists of America" group and the influx of painters, including surrealist Max Ernst. Significance: The city ceased to be merely a beautiful backdrop, turning into a serious cultural centre of the Southwest with a high concentration of galleries and museums.
• Spiritual Boom (1980s)
  Popularisation of the concept of energy vortexes and the hosting of the "Harmonic Convergence" in 1987. Significance: Formation of a unique niche of spiritual tourism, attracting thousands of New Age followers and healers, and creating a wellness and retreat industry.
• Urban Planning Reform (1988)
  Official incorporation of Sedona as a city. Significance: Gaining control over zoning allowed for the introduction of strict design codes (height restrictions, facade colours matching the rocks) and halted chaotic development, preserving the natural panorama.
• Transition to Luxury Tourism (1990–2000s)
  Construction of premium resorts (such as Enchantment Resort) and world-class golf clubs. Significance: Final reorientation of the economy towards affluent travellers, rising real estate values, and the development of high-class service.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Sedona is unique in that it does not oppose nature but submits to it. There are no skyscrapers or dense historical European-style buildings here. The city's urban planning concept is dictated by the desire to preserve the visual dominance of the famous red rocks, which led to the formation of a distinct "desert" style.

Evolution of Styles and Iconic Landmarks

The city's development evolved from simple farm structures to complex design solutions that harmonise with the Arizona landscape.

• Early Period and Vernacular Architecture (Pre-1950s)
  The first buildings were purely utilitarian, made of local stone and wood. These are simple single-storey houses with gable roofs.
  Iconic Landmark: Jordan Historical Park, where original houses of the first settlers are preserved, reflecting the rugged life of the farming era.
• Mid-Century Modernism (1950s)
  A period of bold experiments when architects began using concrete and glass to integrate buildings into rock massifs.
  Iconic Landmark: Chapel of the Holy Cross (1956). Built under the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's ideas, this modernist church literally "grows" out of the red sandstone, demonstrating the perfect synthesis of man-made form and nature.
• Spanish Colonial Style and Mexican Baroque (1970s)
  A period of creating tourist centres with deep historical stylisation evoking the past.
  Iconic Landmark: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. An architectural ensemble recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican village with shady courtyards, arches, wrought-iron grilles, fountains, and tiled roofs.
• Pueblo Revival and Contemporary Southwest Style (1980s — Present)
  The dominant style of modern Sedona. Characterised by flat roofs, thick walls imitating adobe, protruding wooden beams (vigas), and rounded corners.

Urban Planning Standards and Design Code

Since the city's official incorporation in 1988, Sedona has enforced some of the strictest Land Development Codes in the USA:

• Colour Palette: All exterior walls of buildings must be painted in approved shades of earth, ochre, and red stone so that structures visually blend with the landscape. Bright colours are prohibited — even the famous McDonald's arches here are turquoise, not yellow.
• Height Restrictions: There is a strict limit on building height (usually no more than two storeys) to ensure mountain views are not obstructed for residents and tourists.
• Lighting Control: As part of the "Dark Sky" programme, street lighting is kept to a minimum and directed strictly downwards, allowing stars to be observed right from the city centre.

Notable Personalities of Sedona

The history of Sedona is inextricably linked with the people who turned a secluded farming settlement into a world centre of art and spiritual practices. Below are the key figures who had the greatest influence on the city's development.

Founders and Pioneers

• Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly (1877–1950)
  Role: Early settler, inspiration for the city's name.
  The wife of the first postmaster, known for her hospitality and diligence. It was her rare name that was chosen for the city in 1902 after the postal service rejected several options ("Oak Creek" and "Schnebly Station") due to their length. She became a symbol of maternal care for the early community.
• Theodore Carlton (T.C.) Schnebly (1868–1954)
  Role: Entrepreneur, first postmaster.
  Husband of Sedona Schnebly and the de facto founder of the settlement's infrastructure. He built the first store and hotel and organised mail delivery, building the road that today bears his name (Schnebly Hill Road). His efforts connected the isolated canyon with the outside world.

Figures of Art and Culture

• Zane Grey (1872–1939)
  Role: Writer, classic Western author.
  A famous author of adventure novels who often stayed in Oak Creek Canyon. His book "The Call of the Canyon", written under the impression of the local landscapes, drew Hollywood's attention to Sedona, starting the era of filmmaking in the region.
• Max Ernst (1891–1976)
  Role: Painter, sculptor, pioneer of surrealism.
  Moved to Sedona in 1946, inspired by the "fantastic" landscapes of Arizona. Here he created his famous sculptures (including "Capricorn") and attracted bohemians and intellectuals to the city, laying the foundation for Sedona's transformation into a world-class art centre.
• Marguerite Brunswig Staude (1899–1988)
  Role: Sculptor, patron of the arts, architect.
  The originator and main sponsor of the construction of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. She spent decades searching for the perfect location for her project, and it was her vision that allowed for the creation of an architectural masterpiece that became the city's main calling card.
• Joe Beeler (1931–2006)
  Role: Painter, sculptor.
  One of the founders of the prestigious "Cowboy Artists of America" association in 1965. His creative work and organisational activities cemented Sedona's status as the capital of Western Art.

Influence on Tourism and Popularity

• John Wayne (1907–1979)
  Role: Actor, symbol of Westerns.
  Although he did not live here permanently, Wayne became the face of "Little Hollywood". Filming in movies such as "Angel and the Badman" firmly associated his image with the red rocks of Sedona, attracting thousands of cinema fans.
• Page Bryant (1943–2017)
  Role: Medium, author, spiritual teacher.
  In 1980, it was she who identified and named the main energy "vortexes" of Sedona. This event radically changed the vector of tourism development, turning the city into a mecca for esotericists, yogis, and seekers of spiritual enlightenment from all over the world.