Snowflake Townsite Historic District | Snowflake

The Snowflake Townsite Historic District in Snowflake, Arizona, is a well-preserved area that reflects the town’s origins and development from its founding in 1878 by Mormon pioneers Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake. This district is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a living museum showcasing architectural styles, pioneer lifestyles, and cultural heritage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historical Background and Significance

Snowflake was established as a settlement by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), with its name honoring its two founders, Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake. The town grew around agriculture and community-centered living, and many early settlers built homes and structures using local materials, reflecting practical and aesthetic approaches typical of pioneer life.

The Historic District encompasses about 20 blocks in the heart of Snowflake, bounded roughly by 3rd Street North, Stinson Street, 2nd Street South, and Hulet Street. This area contains over 100 buildings, many residential, that have been preserved or restored to maintain their original character and charm.

Architectural Styles

The homes and buildings in the district display a variety of architectural styles popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s:

Victorian (Second Empire and Queen Anne influences): Featuring steep roofs, decorative trim, and asymmetrical facades. The James M. Flake Home is a prime example with its distinctive mansard roof and brick construction.

Gothic Revival: Characterized by pointed arches, steep gables, and ornate wooden trim, as seen in the John A. Freeman Home, also known as the “Gingerbread House,” which boasts intricate decorative details and original furnishings.

Colonial Revival: Symmetrical facades, columned porches, and classical detailing are found in homes like the Jesse N. Smith Memorial Home, which also highlights the town’s unique social history, including the polygamous household arrangements of early Mormon settlers.

Folk Primitive: Early pioneer log and adobe cabins such as the William Jordan Flake Cabin showcase simple, utilitarian construction methods representative of frontier life.

The preservation efforts have maintained authentic materials, including locally fired brick, woodwork, original windows, and period furnishings inside many of the homes.

Notable Historic Homes and Sites

James M. Flake Home (1894): A Victorian Second Empire residence constructed from locally manufactured brick, this home contains original family furnishings and artifacts, offering insight into the lifestyle of one of Snowflake’s founding families.

John A. Freeman Home (1893): Known for its “gingerbread” detailing, this Gothic Revival home features original antiques, textiles, and household items from the 19th century.

Jesse N. Smith Memorial Home (1906): This Colonial Revival-style home preserves the history of Jesse N. Smith’s family, including displays dedicated to his polygamous “sister-wives,” illustrating an important aspect of Mormon pioneer history.

William Jordan Flake Cabin: This cabin was moved from Beaver, Utah, and represents the modest beginnings of pioneer settlers with its basic log construction and rustic interior.

Stinson Pioneer Museum

Located within the district at 102 N. 1st St. E, the Stinson Pioneer Museum is housed in a historic Hispanic Colonial Adobe residence. It exhibits artifacts and photographs highlighting the region’s prehistoric era, Hispanic influences, and Mormon pioneer settlement. The museum features unique items such as a handloom used by Lucy Hannah Flake to weave cloth and rugs, providing a tangible connection to daily pioneer life.

The Snowflake Monument

At the crossroads of West 1st and South Main Streets stands the Snowflake Monument, a tribute to the town’s founders. The monument includes life-sized statues of William Jordan Flake, Erastus Snow, and historian L. John Nuttall. It symbolizes the pioneering spirit and the community’s deep respect for its roots.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Snowflake Historic District can explore the area through both self-guided and guided tours. Guided tours operate Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and typically take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. These tours provide detailed historical narratives and access to the interiors of several homes, enhancing understanding of the social, cultural, and architectural heritage.

The Snowflake/Taylor Chamber of Commerce offers maps, brochures, and detailed information to support self-guided exploration. Walking through the tree-lined streets, visitors can appreciate the quiet charm of well-maintained historic homes, original brick sidewalks, and period-appropriate landscaping.

Preservation and Community Impact

The Historic District is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Local organizations and the Snowflake Heritage Foundation work to maintain and restore historic properties, ensuring that future generations can connect with the town’s pioneer past. The district not only preserves architecture but also the stories and traditions that define Snowflake’s unique identity.

Practical Information

Location: The historic district is centered around downtown Snowflake, Arizona, bounded by 3rd St. N, Stinson, 2nd St. S, and Hulet St.

Tours: Guided tours available Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Reservations: Recommended to call (928) 536-4331 to schedule guided tours.

Visitor Resources: Snowflake/Taylor Chamber of Commerce provides maps and tour materials.

The Snowflake Townsite Historic District provides a rich, immersive experience into pioneer Arizona life, combining architectural beauty with cultural and social history. It stands as a vital cultural resource preserving the legacy of the Mormon settlers and the evolving community they established.