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Town Snapshot: Town of Eagar
Eagar and the surrounding area is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the early inhabitants over 700 years ago who left the interesting Casa Malpais
ruins to the fascinating stories of the cattle and sheep ranches and the logging industry that has been a major employer, Eagar has a rich history. The Spanish
Europeans discovered the Eagar area in the 1540s and Mormon settlers arrived in the late 1800s. Eagar's history is embellished with tales of gunfights, feuds,
outlaw hideouts, and strong pioneer spirit.
The Eagar brothers, John, Joel, and William homesteaded this part of northeastern Arizona among the tall ponderosa pines in the 1880s. Central to several small
homesteads, the town was established in 1888 under the name of Union to unify the small settlements in the area. The name was changed to Eagar in 1892 to honor
the original homesteaders. The first Post Office was established in 1888. Along with its neighbor Springerville, the two communities are collectively known as
Round Valley.
The Town of Eagar was incorporated on February 2, 1948, with a population of 641 and an area of 75 square blocks. One of the first ordinances passed forbid
livestock in the streets. Taking cows to pasture was a social activity for the children of Eagar, as they led the cows down the middle of Main Street to the
pasture at the north end of Town in the morning and back again at night for milking.
Nestled at the base of the White Mountains in northeastern Arizona, the Town of Eagar serves as a central point to the region's recreational opportunities.
Whether it's the winter skiing, fall colors, warm spring weather, or cool summer nights, Eagar is a natural choice for tourists. A low crime rate, small town
atmosphere, easy access to major transportation hubs, and an affordable quality of life make Eagar a popular choice for small business expansion or relocation.
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Eagar lies at the crossroads of several major thoroughfares in northeastern Arizona. Today, natural resources are still a part of
the community's industries. Two power plants and the timber-related industry form a substantial portion of the town's employment base, while ranching, retail,
and industries in support of the popular tourist trade help to diversify the town's economy.
Tourism is a large part of Eagar. With over 2 million acres in the adjoining Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, numerous lakes and miles of pristine trout
streams, tourists from Arizona and New Mexico flock to Eagar each year. Combined with winter skiing, sledding, and sight-seeing, it's no wonder why Eagar has
become a popular tourist destination.
The Town of Eagar continues to move forward despite the prolonged economic downturn. A new restaurant opened in 2010 and Arizona Log and Timberworks is
completing the construction on a plant that will produce pressure treated round guard rail posts. Our tourism events continue to draw large crowds from around
the state. These include weekend rodeos in the summer, the July 4th parade, rodeo, fireworks, Eagar DAZE (the first Saturday in August), and the ATV Jamboree
(the week after Labor Day weekend). The town completed the addition of four indoor racquetball courts and a tennis court and a new brand/log in 2010. Their
plans for 2011 include a new Centennial Park on Main Street, a community fishing pond, and initial plans for a new park.
Come, visit, and experience our new brand: Where Roads Meet the Trails!
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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