History of Sedona Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 11, 2026

Sedona's history stretches from ancient geology and thousands of years of human presence to Indigenous cultures, pioneer settlement, agriculture, filmmaking and the growth of a modern Arizona destination. Long before the community received the name Sedona in 1902, people lived, traveled, farmed and traded throughout the surrounding Verde Valley and Red Rock Country. Cliff dwellings, rock art, historic homesteads and preserved buildings still provide visible connections to many chapters of the area's past.

• Early People Of The Sedona Area
• The Sinagua And Ancient Settlements
• Historic Archaeological Sites
• Pioneer Settlement
• How Sedona Got Its Name
• Orchards And Early Agriculture
• Sedona And Hollywood
• Modern Sedona
• Where To Learn More
• FAQ

Early People Of The Sedona Area

People have lived in and traveled through northern Arizona for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence throughout the Verde Valley and surrounding high desert includes stone tools, rock art, agricultural remains and dwellings created by generations of Indigenous people who adapted to changing environments and developed extensive cultural and trade connections.

Rather than representing a single uninterrupted culture, the archaeological record reflects different communities and traditions over a very long period. Modern Indigenous nations maintain deep cultural connections to the landscapes, archaeological sites and traditions of northern Arizona.

The Sinagua And Ancient Settlements

Archaeologists use the term Sinagua for prehistoric communities that lived across portions of central and northern Arizona. In the Sedona and Verde Valley region, Sinagua communities farmed, hunted, gathered wild foods, produced pottery and tools, and participated in trade networks that connected communities across the Southwest.

Many of the cliff dwellings and pueblos visible around Red Rock Country date from approximately the 12th through 14th centuries. These communities eventually changed, dispersed or joined other populations, and Indigenous oral traditions and archaeological research connect ancient peoples of the region with later and present-day Native communities.

Historic Archaeological Sites Near Sedona

Several important archaeological sites near Sedona preserve evidence of the people who lived in the Verde Valley centuries ago. Palatki and Honanki west of Sedona contain cliff dwellings and extensive rock art, while Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde preserves one of the region's best-known multi-story cliff dwellings.

• Palatki Heritage Site
• Montezuma Castle National Monument
• V-Bar-V Heritage Site
• More Ancient Ruins Near Sedona

These archaeological places are culturally significant and should be visited with respect. Stay on designated routes, do not touch rock art and never remove artifacts or archaeological material.

Pioneer Settlement In Sedona And Oak Creek Canyon

Documented Euro-American settlement in the Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon area began during the late 19th century. Jim Thompson arrived in Oak Creek Canyon in 1876, and additional families established homesteads, farms and ranches during the following decades. By the turn of the 20th century, about 15 homesteading families lived in the area.

The community remained small and isolated, and early residents depended heavily on farming, livestock, cooperation among neighboring families and the dependable water of Oak Creek.

How Sedona Arizona Got Its Name

One of Sedona's best-known historical stories involves Theodore Carlton "T.C." Schnebly and his wife, Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly. After settling in the area, T.C. sought to establish a post office for the growing community.

His proposed names, including Oak Creek Crossing and Schnebly Station, were considered too long for a postmark. His brother Ellsworth suggested using Sedona's first name instead. The name was accepted, and in 1902 the community officially gained a post office bearing the name Sedona.

Sedona Arabella Miller had been born in Missouri in 1877. Her mother later explained that she had simply created the unusual first name because she thought it sounded attractive. The name therefore did not originate from a Spanish or Native American word.

Orchards And Early Agriculture

Farming and ranching played major roles in Sedona's early economy. Oak Creek provided water for gardens and orchards, and apples and peaches became especially important crops. Produce from local farms was sold in communities including Flagstaff and the mining town of Jerome.

One of the best-known agricultural sites was the Pendley Homestead in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley developed an irrigation system and fruit orchard there, and the historic property later became part of Slide Rock State Park. Remnants of Sedona's orchard era remain an important part of the area's pioneer heritage.

Sedona And Hollywood

Sedona's dramatic red rock scenery attracted filmmakers long before the tourism boom of the late 20th century. The silent film The Call of the Canyon was filmed in the area in 1923, and Sedona became an increasingly important Hollywood location during the 1940s and 1950s.

Western films and other productions brought actors, film crews and national publicity to Red Rock Country. John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Joan Crawford, Glenn Ford and other major stars worked on productions filmed against Sedona's distinctive sandstone landscape.

Visitors interested in this part of local history can see exhibits and artifacts at the Sedona Heritage Museum.

From Rural Community To Modern Sedona

Sedona gradually evolved from a remote farming and ranching community into an internationally known destination for outdoor recreation, art, sightseeing and tourism. Roads, electricity and other services expanded during the 20th century as the area's population and visitor economy grew.

The City of Sedona was incorporated in 1988, bringing together a community that had developed on both sides of the Coconino-Yavapai county line. Today the area's history remains visible in archaeological sites, historic homesteads, preserved buildings, old orchards and the stories maintained by local museums and cultural organizations.

Understanding Sedona's past adds another dimension to the red rock landscape. The cliffs and canyons are not simply scenic attractions; they are places connected to generations of Indigenous people, pioneers, farmers, ranchers, artists, filmmakers and residents who shaped the community visitors experience today.

Learn More At The Sedona Heritage Museum

The Sedona Heritage Museum is located in Jordan Historical Park in Uptown Sedona. Exhibits focus on early settlers, ranching and cowboys, Sedona's orchard industry, local filmmaking and Sedona Schnebly, the woman for whom the community was named.

The museum occupies the historic Jordan family farmstead and preserves buildings, artifacts, photographs and stories associated with Sedona's pioneer era. Hours, admission and programs can change, so check the museum's official website before visiting.

More Sedona History And Heritage

• Ancient Ruins Near Sedona
• V-Bar-V Heritage Site
• Montezuma Castle National Monument
• Slide Rock State Park
• Red Rocks Of Sedona
• About Sedona Arizona
• Things To Do In Sedona

Sedona Arizona History FAQ

How old is the history of human settlement in the Sedona area?

People have lived in and traveled through northern Arizona for thousands of years. Archaeological sites around Sedona and the Verde Valley preserve evidence of ancient communities, including dwellings, tools, farming remains and rock art.

Who were the Sinagua people?

Sinagua is an archaeological term used for prehistoric communities that lived across parts of central and northern Arizona. They farmed, hunted, gathered food, traded with other communities and built pueblos and cliff dwellings throughout the region.

What ancient ruins can visitors see near Sedona?

Important archaeological sites include Palatki Heritage Site, Honanki Heritage Site, V-Bar-V Heritage Site and Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde.

How did Sedona Arizona get its name?

The community was named for Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, wife of early settler T.C. Schnebly. When T.C. established a post office in 1902, his brother suggested using Sedona's first name after other proposed names were considered too long.

Who was the first documented settler in the Sedona area?

Jim Thompson is generally identified as the first documented Euro-American settler in Oak Creek Canyon, arriving in 1876.

What were Sedona's early industries?

Farming, ranching and fruit growing were important to Sedona's early economy. Apple and peach orchards were particularly significant because Oak Creek provided dependable irrigation water.

When did Hollywood begin filming in Sedona?

Filmmakers were using Sedona's landscape by the 1920s. The silent film The Call of the Canyon was filmed in the area in 1923, and major Hollywood production expanded during the 1940s and 1950s.

When did Sedona become an incorporated city?

The City of Sedona was incorporated in 1988.

Where can visitors learn more about Sedona history?

The Sedona Heritage Museum in Jordan Historical Park preserves exhibits and artifacts related to early settlers, ranching, orchards, filmmaking and Sedona Schnebly.

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