This image is the cover for the book True Tales of Prescott, American Chronicles

True Tales of Prescott, American Chronicles

A saloon town like no other.


Carved out of the wilderness to become the first capital of Arizona Territory, Prescott has been a magnet for colorful characters since 1864. From Isaac Goldberg, proprietor of the first saloon, to musical icon Bruce Springsteen, Prescott has hosted its fair share of legends. Highwayman Brazen Bill Brazelton moseyed through the streets of Prescott, as did Bucky O'Neill and Barry Goldwater. Famous landmarks like the Palace Saloon not only survived prohibition but the Great Fire of 1900 that burned through Whiskey Row.


Join historians Bradley G. Courtney and Drew Desmond as they round up tales of Prescott's fascinating past.

Bradley G. Courtney, Drew Desmond

Bradley G. Courtney is an author and independent historian who lived and taught in Phoenix, Arizona, for nineteen years, as well as on the Navajo Indian Reservation in northern Arizona for twelve years. Brad has appeared on CNN and the Travel Channel, among other outlets. He holds a master's degree in history from California State University. Drew Desmond is the author of the popular #PrescottAZHistory blog, which features more than 280 articles and has welcomed nearly 750,000 readers. Local schools use the blog in their classroom curriculum, and his research finds are displayed in two museums. Drew has also authored many magazine articles. He is secretary of the board of the Prescott Western Heritage Foundation and its Western Heritage Center on historic Whiskey Row.

The History Press