Get an ADT-Monitored Home Security System in Florence, Arizona

Florence (O’odham: S-auppag) is a town, 61 miles (98 km) southeast of Phoenix, in Pinal County, Arizona, United States. Florence, which is the county chair of Pinal County, is one of the oldest towns in that county and is regarded as a National Historic District with more than 25 buildings listed upon the National Register of Historic Places. The population of Florence was 26,785 at the 2020 census.

The Place where the current town of Florence is located was subsequently inhabited by the Hohokam, ancestors of the O’odham people. Prior to the establishment of the town, the Gila River served as a part of the be bordering to between the United States and Mexico. In 1853, the Gadsden Purchase outstretched American territory with ease south of the Gila.

Levi Ruggles, a veteran of the American Civil War, founded the town of Florence upon the south bank of the Gila River. He came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of the valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite there. With the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a publish office in August of the same year. Ruggles held numerous public offices including that of Territorial Legislator. Florence became the county chair in the newly formed Pinal County. Silver was discovered in 1875 in the available mountains which led to the start of the famous Silver King Mine.