Wickenburg, Arizona

3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 BURG, ARIZONA LOVIN’ THAT HOMETOWNWESTERN FEEL I n the midst of the hills above Phoenix, Arizona on the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert, sits the charming Town of Wickenburg. Established in 1863, it was named after prospector Henry Wickenburg who discovered the Vulture Mine, Arizona’s largest gold source. Now the oldest town north of Tucson, Wickenburg once gained a reputation as the ‘Dude Ranch Capital of the World’ after local ranchers hosted tourists yearning to experience authentic cowboy life. Some guest ranches still operate, like the beloved Flying E Ranch, but Wickenburg has now transitioned into the ‘Team Roping Capital of the World.’ So, whether it’s participating in the popular rodeo event, exploring the great outdoors at Hassayampa River Preserve, or watching a performance at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, Wickenburg has something for everyone. Community Development Director Steve Boyle, who moved to Wickenburg 16 years ago from northern Utah, shares, “We’re a small town,