If you’d like to learn more about Scottsdale’s colorful past, visit Old Town where the city’s founder, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott, put down his farming roots in 1888. An easy, self-guided stroll to three historic Old Town landmarks and museums can be accomplished in about an hour and, best of all, admission is free.
Scottsdale Historical Museum
Start your tour at this quaint museum housed in the Little Red School near the western entrance of the Scottsdale Civic Center, just east of Brown Ave. The Little Red Schoolhouse chronicles the city’s history through photographs, artifacts and changing displays. The Schoolhouse building was constructed in 1909 and over the years has served as a school, social hall, church and Sunday school, polling place, and the home of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce prior to becoming the Scottsdale Historical Museum.
As you leave the Little Red Schoolhouse, turn left and proceed to Brown Ave. Turn left again and your next tour stop, the Old Adobe Mission, is approximately one block ahead on your left.
Old Adobe Mission
This lovingly restored adobe building is the oldest standing church in Scottsdale and the city’s first Catholic parish. The building was constructed of handmade adobe bricks in 1933 and features beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and handcrafted stained-glass windows. Points of interest inside the Mission include the Sacristy mosaic, a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a gallery display of historic photos and artifacts.
After touring the Mission, cross Brown Ave. and turn left. The Old Town Scottsdale Parada del Sol Rodeo Museum is just ahead on your right.
Old Town Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Rodeo Museum
The Parada del Sol Parade (Feb.) and Rodeo (March) have been annual Scottsdale traditions since the 1950s. The Old Town Scottsdale Parada del Sol Rodeo Museum showcases artifacts and memorabilia dating back to 1953 and the earliest Parada del Sol rodeos. The museum, which is housed in the historic Noriega Livery building, includes bull ropes, saddles, original Parada del Sol posters and much more. Don’t miss “The Stable,” a large-scale mural by Joel Coplin on the museum’s back wall that depicts horses being fed in their stalls.
For more historic points of interest, download the Old Town Scottsdale Historic Walking Tour.
