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In 1882, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, later known as the Santa Fe,
rolled into the area now known as Ash Fork. Ash Fork was chosen as a siding
stop. Many of the freighters from Jerome wanted a location along the line,
that would be easier for them to get to and Ash fork became that place.
The name Ash Fork came from some ash trees at the fork in Ash Creek. The
railroad caused the town to grow. The cattle business started to bloom.
The Ash Fork Livestock Company ran their cattle out on the ranges and then
brought them in to be shipped off on rail. The post office was established
a year later in 1883. Wells Fargo built a station in town in 1885. Then
1893, the original town of Ash Fork burned down. The town was relocated
to the other side of the railroad tracks, where it still stands today.
A rail line called the Peavine went between Ash Fork and Prescott and was
completed in 1893. It wasn't long after that, when the line connected Ash
Fork to Phoenix. This connection occurred in 1895.
The railroad
was becoming more and more popular. In 1907, the Escalante Hotel was built.
It was a Harvey House named after a Franciscan friar and explorer. Harvey
Houses were the idea of Fred Harvey, who saw the need for good food along
the Santa Fe Railroad line. Harvey created a Harvey House approximately
every 100 miles along the tracks. A Harvey House had outstanding chefs,
who created delicious meals. Harvey Girls served the meals in a quick and
orderly manner. Fred Harvey was able to lure young Eastern girls out west
with good wages and free board. Many of the girls came with the thought
that their lives would be filled with excitement. Harvey Houses became
an instant success.
When the train was on its way to a Harvey
House, the brakeman would come by and take the orders. The orders would
then be wired ahead. As the train neared the stop, it would send off a
blast from its whistle. This would indicate to the Harvey Girls that they
should be ready to serve the first course. The entire business was based
on efficiency and good food. During the late 1920's, the automobile became
a popular means of transportation. Route 66 was constructed which connected
Chicago to California. The road made Ash Fork a place where drivers stopped
over for the night. Throughout the years, Route 66 was a boost to the town's
economy. Then the tides changed. In the 1950's, the railroad moved its
main line north of town and the Escalante Hotel closed down. A fire destroyed
many buildings in the 1970's and finally in 1979 Interstate 40, replaced
Route 66 and bypassed Ash Fork.
All of these were hard on
the town, but Ash Fork is still an exciting place to stop in and visit.
Today, Ash Fork's economic activities are tourism, mining and cattle ranching.
Since Ash Fork is located near Interstate 40, the town's still sees many
people who need to make a stop to rest or rejuvenate. The town is a hub
of services for those passing by and for local residents.
Ash Fork is also known for it beautiful flagstone. The town is sometimes
referred to as the "Flagstone Capital of the United States." There are
five stone yards located in and around town. These yards ship and quarry
the stone. This is a growing business. Ash Fork still reaps the benefits
of its location at a major crossroads point in the state. It remains an
unincorporated community.
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