The Tawdry History of Sierra Vista, Arizona’s First Industry

Sierra Vista has a rich history going back to the establishment of Fort Huachuca in the late 19th century.

The fort began as a U.S. cavalry command post during the Apache Wars. Neighboring Sierra Vista was a settlement named Fry after local rancher Oliver Fry.

The city was officially founded in 1927 and later renamed Sierra Vista, a Spanish word that means mountain view, when it was incorporated in 1956.

Get our free mobile app

The Frys didn't want the name to change. Erwin Fry, son of founder Oliver Fry, mounted a court battle to retain the name. In 1959, the city's main thoroughfare was renamed Fry Boulevard as a gesture of goodwill and to appease the founding family.

READ: Nola Walker's Role In Naming Sierra Vista Revealed

Sierra Vista's First Businesses Raised Eyebrows

When the area was first settled, the town outside the gates of Fort Huachuca primarily existed to support the soldiers on the fort.

At the time, families were not the main draw to the area. To "support the soldiers", the first businesses established were a saloon and a house of ill repute. The saloon and brothel opened in 1892 and were owned by John and Ellen Reilly.

By 1911, Margaret Carmichael had purchased the homestead and business from the Reillys, which she then leased back to them until 1913.

READ: What is the Giant Blimp-Thing in the Sky Above Sierra Vista?

Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca Today

Sierra Vista has undergone significant growth and change over the years. Today, it's a very different place from a hundred years ago.

These days, families settle in Sierra Vista, and many folks return to the area to retire. It's hard to imagine Cavalry soldiers whooping it up in what is now the West End, but it's part of the history of the old West and Cochise County.

Sources: Sierra Vista History Blog | Britannica | Wikipedia | City of Sierra Vista | Townsquare Publications