About Payson
Payson history – farming, mining, tourism and cool mountain town
Payson was first settled by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s and went through several cultural and economic cycles before turning into the tourism and recreation small Arizona town that it is today.
Mormon pioneers led by James Stinson settled the area in 1878, attracted by its fertile land, abundant water supply, and mild climate. Unsurprisingly, they called “Green Valley.” Those early residents farmed and raised livestock, and the area grew. It was named Payson ins 1884 after after Chicago businessman Levi Joseph Payson, an early funder of the first Mormon chapel in the area. The first school was established also in 1884, and by 1890, there were several stores, a post office, and a hotel.
Mining Boom and Bust
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Payson experienced a mining boom as prospectors discovered gold and other minerals in the surrounding hills, and Payson became the hub for mining activity. The mines brought short-lived wealth and growth to Payson. By the 1920s, many of the mines had closed and Payson’s population declined.
Tourism and Growth
With the mines depleted, Payson turned to tourism in the 1930s and 1940, thanks in part to its proximity to the Tonto National Forest and the Mogollon Rim, a draw for outdoor enthusiasts that continues today. Local leaders improved the town’s infrastructure and amenities. In 1942, the Ox Bow Inn, – Payson’s first motel, opened, and the town’s first paved road was completed in 1949.
In the 1950s and 1960s, more tourists discovered the town’s charm, and the population grew. It wasn’t until 1973, though, that Payson was officially incorporated as a town.
Modern Payson
Today, Payson is a thriving community of about 15,000 residents and an economy run on tourism, healthcare, and education, with tourism as the major industry. of the local economy, with visitors enjoying hiking, fishing, camping, exploring and other outdoor activities.
Payson is also home to several healthcare facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. The schools are part of the K-12 Payson Unified School District.
In recent years, Payson has faced challenges, including a devastating wildfire in 2017 that destroyed homes and businesses. But Payson has been resilient and has worked to rebuild and recover. Its cool pine forest make it a favorite getaway and second-home community for the Phoenix area, about 90 minutes away.
