Walking Tours


	Early Phoenix and Historic Heritage Square

		From its humble beginnings in the 1860s, when early pioneers discovered and redug the irrigation canals built by the prehistoric Hohokam Indians, Phoenix has grown into one of the leading metropolitan areas in the United States. Phoenix like the mythical bird has "sprung forth from the ashes of the old." The original Phoenix townsite was one mile long, one half mile wide and contained 98 blocks. The average selling price of each block in 1870 was $48.00. The early wood and adobe buildings were being replaced by brick in the 1880s. Although Arizona was still a territory, Phoenix was a surprisingly progressive town featuring electricity, streetcars, telephones and two

railroad connecting lines. Blocks 14 and 15 of the original townsite comprise Historic Heritage Square. Dr. and Mrs. Roland Rosson purchased Block 14 for $1,000 in 1882. They constructed a beautiful Victorian home in 1895, which today is the cornerstone of Historic Heritage Square. The remainder of Block 14 was developed between 1895 and 1923 and contains the only remaining residential homes from the original townsite of Phoenix. Block 15 was farmland, then residential rentals and later commercial ventures. The City of Phoenix's redevelopment efforts in the 1970s secured Blocks 14 and 15 for restoration of the buildings and the foundation for Heritage and Science Park.

Available Walking Tours:

The Rosson House-Heritage Square Foundation and Guild are pleased to offer you several varieties of walking tours to fit into your schedule. The Historic Heritage Square Block Walk and the Historic Downtown Phoenix Walking Tours feature the remaining 19th century buildings and some 20th century buildings that showcase a variety of architectural styles for your viewing pleasure. To make reservations for walking tours please call 602 .261.8948. Tours are limited to a maximum of 15 people.

The Historic Heritage Square Block Walk includes a guided tour of the restored 1895 Rosson House and an in-depth review of the development of Historic Heritage Square. This tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours and is offered October through April. Scheduled times are every first Saturday between 11am and 2pm The fee is $5 per person.

The Half Day Historic Downtown Walking Tour begins with a guided tour of the Rosson House and Historic Heritage Square. The tour continues as you walk past historic buildings including the restored Orpheum Theatre, new and old City Halls, Patriots Square and St. Mary's Basilica. This tour tour starts at 9:00am and lasts until 1:00pm. The fee is $20 per person which entrance fees, taxes and gratuities. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bring your camera. Tour dates for the 2008-2009 season will be announced soon!


	Self Guided Historic Heritage Square Walking Tour Brochure


	<---Click on the ornamental “H” icon at left to download a Self Guided Historic Heritage Square Walking Tour Brochure.


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All tours are led by experienced docents from the Rosson House Guild of volunteer interpreters. Mr. Elden Walters, currently a docent with the Rosson House Guild, Orpheum Theatre and the Arizona Historical Society, is the coordinator for these interesting and fun interpretive historic walks. Please remember that the tours are by reservation only. For further information and or to schedule a tour please call the Rosson House - Heritage Square Foundation Office at 602 261-8063.