Show Low history

An Unusual Founding Story

The history of Show Low began around 1870 and is inextricably linked to a unique legend that gave the city its name. According to tradition, the first two settlers, Corydon Cooley and Marion Clark, jointly owned a vast ranch, but over time realized they could not coexist on the same territory. To resolve the dispute over who would remain the owner of the land and who would leave, they agreed to play a game of cards.

The condition of the game was the phrase: "If you can show low, you win." Cooley drew the deuce of clubs — the lowest card, won the dispute, and remained the master of the lands. This story is immortalised not only in the name of the city but also in the name of its main street — "Deuce of Clubs".

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement was determined by several important circumstances:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in the picturesque White Mountains of Arizona, surrounded by the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine. This created an ideal base for the development of the timber industry.
• Natural Resources: The availability of water and pastures made this area attractive for cattle breeding, which became the foundation of the early economy.
• Strategic Role: Initially, Cooley's ranch served as an important trading post and a resting place for travellers passing through the region, which contributed to the gradual growth of the settlement around it.

Early Economy and Lifestyle

In the first decades of its existence, Show Low's economy relied on farming, cattle breeding, and logging. The life of the first settlers was typical for the American West of that time: hard labour on the land combined with a spirit of enterprise. Over time, thanks to the unique climate and nature, the city began to transform from a strictly agricultural centre into a popular destination for recreation and tourism.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1870 — Corydon Cooley and Marion Clark establish a ranch in the creek valley, which becomes the core of the future settlement.
• 1876 — The legendary card game between the ranch owners takes place, determining the name of the area as Show Low.
• 1880 — The first official post office opens, and Corydon Cooley is appointed the first postmaster.
• 1903 — William Flake and other settlers purchase the ranch lands, beginning the process of organised development and community formation.
• 1925 — Construction of the first proper school is completed, indicating the growth of the permanent population.
• 1953 — Show Low officially receives the status of an incorporated city, forming its own municipal government bodies.
• 1960s — Active development of the tourism sector and the construction of summer residences begins, turning the city into a popular resort.
• 2002 — The massive "Rodeo-Chediski" forest fire comes close to the city boundaries, causing mass evacuation, but the residential areas are successfully defended.
• 2006 — The opening of the modern Summit Healthcare medical centre strengthens the city's status as the main service hub in the White Mountains.
• Present day — The city continues to expand its recreational infrastructure, remaining the economic and commercial centre of northeastern Arizona.

Key Stages of Show Low's Formation

The transformation of Show Low from a remote ranch into the economic centre of the Arizona White Mountains passed through several important stages. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of the city.

• Land Purchase and Start of Planning (1903)
  The acquisition of the ranch territory by a group of settlers led by William Flake became the starting point for organised development. This event marked the transition from spontaneous settlement to the formation of a structured community with streets, farms, and the first social infrastructure.
• Official Incorporation (1953)
  Obtaining City status allowed for the creation of local authorities, a police force, and a tax base. This gave impetus to the large-scale development of city communications, water supply, and the road network necessary for the growing population.
• Development of a Transport Hub
  The modernisation of the Show Low Regional Airport and the improvement in the quality of the US 60 highway ensured reliable connections with Phoenix and Tucson. Transport accessibility became a critical factor for the influx of tourists and business development in the mountainous area.
• Change of Economic Model (1960–1980s)
  A gradual move away from exclusive dependence on logging and cattle breeding in favour of tourism. The construction of golf courses, campsites, and holiday homes turned the city into a popular climatic resort for residents of the state's hot desert regions.
• Becoming a Regional Service Centre (2000s)
  The opening of large retail spaces and the Summit Healthcare medical centre secured Show Low's status as the main commercial and medical hub of northeastern Arizona, serving not only citizens but also residents of neighbouring communities and reservations.

Architectural Appearance and Development Stages

The architecture of Show Low does not boast ancient styles like Gothic or Baroque, as the city is relatively young and developed within the context of the American West. Its appearance is a combination of functional "frontier" style, classic American single-storey development, and modern commercial buildings integrated into the forest landscape.

Historical Eras and Dominant Styles

The city's development clearly correlates with the stages of its economic growth, from a ranch to a tourist centre:

• Era of Settlement (Late 19th — Early 20th Century): Vernacular Style and Rustic
  In the early period, when Show Low was just a collection of ranches, utilitarian architecture prevailed. The main building material was local timber (Ponderosa pine).
  Characteristic features: Simple log cabins, barns, and farm buildings with gable roofs. Buildings were erected without the participation of professional architects, based on the needs of survival and farming.
• Mid-20th Century (1950–1980s): Ranch Style and Resort Architecture
  With the attainment of city status and the growth in popularity of car travel, the housing stock began to form.
  Characteristic features: Single-storey houses in the American Ranch style with low roofs and wide facades. In the tourism sector, A-frame cabins became popular — triangular chalets, ideally suited for the wooded terrain and snowy winters.
• Modern Stage (from the 1990s): Neo-eclectic and "Mountain Modern"
  The development of the city as a regional hub brought modern construction standards.
  Characteristic features: Commercial and public buildings (for example, medical centres and hotels) are built in a style mimicking mountain aesthetics (using stone and massive timber in facade decoration), but with the application of modern glazing and energy efficiency technologies.

Urban Planning Features and Iconic Zones

The layout of Show Low is typical for American cities that grew along transport arteries and has several key features:

• Linear Planning (Strip development): The city extends along the main transport axis — Deuce of Clubs street (part of US 60 highway). It is here that the main commercial life is concentrated: shops, restaurants, and motels. This street is the "backbone" of the city.
• Integration with Nature: Residential areas (suburbia) do not form a dense urban fabric but are "scattered" amongst the forest massif. Urban planning regulations aim to preserve tall pines on plots, allowing the city to remain green and "hidden" in the forest.
• Absence of a Historic Centre: Unlike European cities, there is no central square with a town hall here. The role of a focal centre is played by the intersection of Deuce of Clubs and White Mountain Road, as well as zones around large shopping centres.

Famous Personalities of Show Low

The history and modernity of Show Low are inextricably linked with the names of the pioneers who determined its fate, as well as contemporaries who have brought fame to the city beyond its borders.

• Corydon Eliphalet Cooley
  City founder, army scout
  A legendary figure in the history of Arizona. It was he who won the famous card game that gave the city the name "Show Low". Cooley was the settlement's first postmaster and served as an important link between the US Army and local Apache tribes, being married to the daughters of Chief Pedro.
• Marion Clark
  Early settler, Cooley's partner
  Co-owner of the original ranch in the valley. His historical role lies in his participation in the fateful game of "Seven Up". Losing to Cooley with the words "If you can show low, you win", he left the ranch, but this phrase remained forever in the city's name.
• William Jordan Flake
  Mormon pioneer and community leader
  Although the neighbouring town of Snowflake bears his name, Flake played a key role in the history of Show Low. In 1903, it was he who organised the purchase of the Show Low ranch lands from Henry Huning for Mormon settlers, which marked the beginning of the transformation of a private estate into a proper city.
• George Takei
  Actor, author, activist
  Star of the cult series "Star Trek". Takei is a long-time honorary resident of Show Low. He owns property in the local Torreon community and often spends time in the city, calling the White Mountains his place of retreat and rest from Hollywood.
• Doug Mathis
  Professional baseball player (MLB)
  A native of Show Low and a graduate of the local school. Mathis built a successful career as a pitcher, playing in Major League Baseball for the "Texas Rangers", as well as in professional leagues in Asia. He is one of the most famous athletes to emerge from this region.
• Henry Huning
  Merchant and landowner
  A German immigrant who owned the Show Low ranch in the late 19th century after Cooley. He significantly expanded the economy and built many buildings that became the foundation of the future city. It was from him that the Mormon settlers purchased the land to found the community.