Right in the middle of Holbrook, along the famous Old Route 66, you’ll find the Navajo County Historic Courthouse and Museum. It’s a real piece of Arizona’s wild history.
They built it back in 1898 in that bold Richardsonian Romanesque style, with three stories of rough stone. It was the hub for county justice for almost 80 years, up until 1976.
Now, it’s where the Navajo County Historical Society runs their museum—folks call it the “People’s Museum.” You can check out stuff from prehistoric times, Native American life, early settlers, ranchers, and the whole Route 66 vibe.
If you’re into history, ghosts, or just road-tripping, this spot’s free to visit and packs in stories that’ll make you want to stick around Holbrook a bit longer.
Roots in the Rough Frontier
This place got its start in the rough-and-tumble days of northern Arizona. Navajo County kicked off in 1895, and Holbrook became the county seat—a busy spot thanks to logging, farming, trains, ranching, and trading with Native Americans.
The area saw its share of trouble: fights between Texas cowboys and Mexican sheep herders, Apache raids, and rowdy bars like the “Bucket of Blood.”
To keep things in check, they brought in Commodore Perry Owens as the first sheriff in 1895.
The guy was a legend, nicknamed “Saint George with a six-shooter,” after sorting out Apache County.
The Building’s Impressive Features
The building’s pretty impressive on its own: The jail cells in the basement came all the way from St. Louis by train, pre-assembled, and nobody ever busted out.
You can walk through those cells now, plus the judge’s office and library, and really feel the old days in the creaky floors.
It’s been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. These days it also houses Holbrook’s Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center—great for kicking off your trip.
The Infamous Hanging of George Smiley
What makes this museum special are the crazy true stories tied to it.
Like the only hanging ever in Navajo County: George Smiley, who got convicted in 1899 for killing his railroad boss.
His execution was set for December, but Sheriff Frank Wattron sent out these fancy invitations that caused a huge stir nationwide—even President McKinley wired in to delay it.
Wattron didn’t back down; he sent sarcastic follow-ups with black borders, and Smiley hanged on January 8, 1900.
The whole thing blew up in papers from London to Paris, putting Holbrook on the map for its quirky frontier ways.
Eerie Ghost Sightings
Oh, and the ghosts! People who work there and locals talk about weird stuff: doors banging shut by themselves, strange sounds, things moving around without help.
They say Smiley’s ghost wanders the stairs, and there’s Mary, a woman who died in jail staring out the window, wishing she was free—she’s been seen looking out from upstairs.
It adds a fun, creepy twist if you’re up for that kind of thing along with your history.
Dive into Prehistory and Native Cultures
Head inside and poke around more than 70 displays in the annex and the old courthouse.
Kick off with the Pre-History area, which takes you way back 225 million years to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert days.
Then there’s Native American sections on the Anasazi, Navajo, Hopi, and Apache, with real artifacts showing their ways of life.
Settlers, Cowboys, and Route 66 Vibes
The Early Settlers part covers tough folks like traders, Mexicans, Mormons, and pioneers on Beale’s Wagon Road.
Get into the Old West with tales of cowboys, railroad guys, and sheriffs like Owens. And don’t skip the Route 66 stuff—it brings back those classic road trips with little shops and family fun, especially with the big 100th anniversary coming in 2026.
They’ve added new things like a model train setup, history of the Navajo County Fair, Hispanic stories, and updated office gear displays.
It’s kind of like digging through an old attic full of cool finds that tie right into Holbrook’s heart.
Practical Info for Your Visit
Stopping by the Navajo County Historic Courthouse and Museum isn’t just about looking back—it’s a way to make your day better.
It’s free to get in (though donations help), open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 E. Arizona St. In the summer, catch free Native American dances outside on weekday evenings.
The staff’s super helpful with maps and ideas for spots like the Petrified Forest National Park nearby.
Beyond the Museum: Explore Holbrook
But Holbrook’s got more going on with its Route 66 feel, fun old motels, and friendly vibe.
Drop in for the history, hang out for the tales, and head out with some great memories.
If you’re hunting ghosts or digging into family roots, this is the spot where Arizona feels real.
Swing by soon—Holbrook’s ready for you! For info on events, hit up the City of Holbrook website.
