History of Globe Arizona: A Look at The Past and Present

Then & Now

A Look at Globe Past & Present

Take a closer look at Globe through the ages

Then & Now: A Look at Globe Past and Present

Take a closer look at Globe through the ages

From the rugged cowboy era of the Wild West to time-honored mining history, Globe’s heritage is vital, vivid, and celebrated across the city. Shades of days gone by shape the modern experience you’ll have here, and each historical attraction is a monument to the passage of time. This is a fascinating look at Globe, past and present.

Besh Ba Gowah

Then: Itching to explore a part of Globe’s heritage that came before anyone was recording it? Besh Ba Gowah is that place. The home base of the Salado people until about A.D. 1400, this abandoned stone city was later named by the Apache tribe as no other name was known for it. Somewhat shrouded in mystery, Besh Ba Gowah was left to ruins long before the settlers arrived.

Now: This historical site grants visitors access to the remains of a fascinating people, partly through a museum on the grounds that holds pottery, linens, and other artifacts that were left behind and unearthed years (and sometimes decades) later. Additionally, you are welcome to take a self-guided tour through the site, exploring the pathways and rooms that made up their entire lives.

Gila County Historical Museum

Then: In the early 1900s, Globe’s Mine Rescue Station was constructed to train and house emergency responders who rushed to aid disasters in the mine. Designed in Mission Revival style as was popular then, the building is modest and quaint, with ample room for storing equipment for performing rescues.

Now: If you didn’t know better, you might think you walked back in time, as the Mine Rescue Station has been carefully maintained to period and looks essentially the same as it did when it was built. Now the home of the Gila County Historical Museum, you can stop by on your next trip to Globe and find fascinating artifacts and exhibits devoted to the town’s heyday.

Holy Angels Catholic Church

Then: Dating back to the early days of Western settlement, the Holy Angels of Heaven Parish came to be in response to the spiritual needs of Globe’s original residents. As the mining town flourished, priest Virgil Genevrier wanted a more prominent and formal place of worship for local believers. He made the arrangements to have the Romanesque Revival church built in 1916.

Now: Beautiful, towering brick greets mass attendees and passersby at the Holy Angels Catholic Church to this day. Visitors can attend services at the church most days of the week and should make note of the impressive architectural details that are rare finds in Arizona.

Globe Cemetery

Then: When a city is founded, it’s natural that a cemetery quickly becomes a necessary feature, and Globe is no different. The first recorded burial in Globe Cemetery was in 1876 when Andrew “Doc” Hammond, rumored to be the town’s founder, had the unfortunate task of burying his brother. From there, the cemetery became the resting place for an estimated 7,400 people on just over 30 acres.

Now: Globe Cemetery still functions for its original purpose today, and visitors may find paying a visit to the “old” section of the cemetery particularly fascinating. The diversity of the city’s original settlers is fully displayed on headstone inscriptions and memorial stones dedicated to the cultural heritage of these residents. Outlaws, Woodmen of the World, and Buffalo Soldiers were laid to rest here, and their stories are waiting to be told.

The Old Gila County Courthouse

Then: While the purpose of a city courthouse may seem obvious, the fascinating history of Gila County’s law and order facility has more to do with outlaw lore than the building itself. In the days of the Wild West, many criminals met their lawless end in the city of Globe, and their gritty tales are the stuff of local legend. The Apache Kid and many stagecoach robbers, gunfighters, and other cowboy bandits were famously tried in this location.

Now: Today, the new Gila County Courthouse is located elsewhere, and the existing building has become the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts. A champion of the local creative scene, you will find galleries of photography, paintings, and other brilliant works sourced from the community. Stop by to catch a musical or unique display and explore a historical building reborn in a whole new capacity.

Explore more American history. Book your trip to Globe today.