The History of Young, AZ
Young, Arizona is located in the heart of Pleasant Valley in Gila County, about 120 miles northeast of Phoenix. It is truly one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Untouched and unspoiled. It gives visitors a real-life example of the true wild, wild west.
Our Supporters
This project could not be moving forward without the help of our supporters.
THE TRUE WILD WEST
The Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat is located in beautiful Young, Arizona. The area is known for it’s rough terrain and historic ranches. One of the largest wars in the history of the United States was fought right here in Young!
True Western Heritage
Read some of the stories below about the western heritage that happened right where the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat is currently sitting.
The Pleasant Valley War
The Pleasant Valley War was a range war fought in Pleasant Valley, AZ in the years 1882-1892. The conflict involved two feuding families, the ranchers Grahams and Tewksburys. The fued started over livestock and would become one of the most terrible wars in all of US history.
Heroes of the War
One of the greatest heroes of the Pleasant Valley War was Mattie Ketchum. Due to the Tewksbury’s Indian decent, Mattie from Holbrook, AZ was able to give warning to the Tewksbury’s that the Grahams were after them and after them hard!
Causes of the War
Greed, politics, location, and money were just a few of the many reasons that the Pleasant Valley War was so unpleasant. The many families involved over a few years would begin to have such hatred in their heart that war would ensue and change Young, Arizona forever!