Florence

Cruise over to one of Arizona’s oldest towns if you’re an architecture buff or adventure seeker. Florence’s most notable building – the 1891 Second Pinal County Courthouse – is an excellent example of Victorian architecture in America; and it speaks to its town’s commitment to preserving the past. Florence’s collection of adobe buildings is equally impressive – the oldest adobe structure dates to 1868. The town’s historic district is in the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to 140 historic buildings dating from the 19th to mid-20th centuries. Florence is proud of its western heritage. The Florence Junior Parada, established by local ranchers in 1932 to raise money for needy children, is the world’s oldest sanctioned youth rodeo. Ranching and farming have long played a major role in Florence’s economy.