San Raphael Church, 1940 Santa Anita General Store Hotel on Main Street, 1940
History of Concho
Concho is a community that was settled in the mid 1800‟s by a New Mexican sheepherder. Several years later a small group of Mormon settlers joined them. The founders were drawn to the area because of the water provided by the Concho Creek, fed by the Concho Springs, and the grasslands that were prevalent at the time.
Its name is possibly derived from the Spanish word concha (meaning shell), perhaps due to the shells found along Concho Creek. “The town was once the major population and financial center of the northeast quarter of what is now Arizona. It continued as a thriving small town for many years.”1 Nevertheless, circumstances such as WWII caused residents to leave the area and, in time, Concho dwindled down to a small community. The village of Concho sometimes referred to, as “Old Concho” is rich in tradition and folklore. Each year the villagers enjoy coming together for the San Rafael Fiestas, when residents and relatives from afar gather for joyful celebration and reminiscing. The newer portion of Concho is the highland country referred to as “Concho Valley” established in 1971. Growth in this development primarily took place as a result of the construction of the Coronado Generating Station located west of St. Johns. A main attraction is the local country club and golf course, along with Concho Lake, which primarily serves as an irrigation reservoir for “Old Concho,” but is enjoyed for fishing, boating and recreation the rest of the year. Both the old and new portions of Concho enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet country atmosphere, with clear skies and a sense of community.
“Concho: The People of the Santo Nino” in Journal of the Southwest, V.38, no. 4, pp. 37-62, 1997
REFERENCES “Concho: The People of the Santo Nino” in Journal of the Southwest, V.38, no. 4, pp. 37-62, 1997. DeGlane, E.M. Concho: The Enchanted Pearl. Concho, AZ: Concho Historical Society, 1981. “History of the Concho Ward.” Unpublished manuscript. Date unknown.
Its name is possibly derived from the Spanish word concha (meaning shell), perhaps due to the shells found along Concho Creek. “The town was once the major population and financial center of the northeast quarter of what is now Arizona. It continued as a thriving small town for many years.”1 Nevertheless, circumstances such as WWII caused residents to leave the area and, in time, Concho dwindled down to a small community. The village of Concho sometimes referred to, as “Old Concho” is rich in tradition and folklore. Each year the villagers enjoy coming together for the San Rafael Fiestas, when residents and relatives from afar gather for joyful celebration and reminiscing. The newer portion of Concho is the highland country referred to as “Concho Valley” established in 1971. Growth in this development primarily took place as a result of the construction of the Coronado Generating Station located west of St. Johns. A main attraction is the local country club and golf course, along with Concho Lake, which primarily serves as an irrigation reservoir for “Old Concho,” but is enjoyed for fishing, boating and recreation the rest of the year. Both the old and new portions of Concho enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet country atmosphere, with clear skies and a sense of community.
“Concho: The People of the Santo Nino” in Journal of the Southwest, V.38, no. 4, pp. 37-62, 1997
REFERENCES “Concho: The People of the Santo Nino” in Journal of the Southwest, V.38, no. 4, pp. 37-62, 1997. DeGlane, E.M. Concho: The Enchanted Pearl. Concho, AZ: Concho Historical Society, 1981. “History of the Concho Ward.” Unpublished manuscript. Date unknown.
Students in Concho going to St Johns HS, 1940 Main Street with Merchants House, 1940 Merchant's House, Main St, 1940
Concho Today
Today Concho is a diverse community with residents of varying backgrounds who desire the peaceful scenery that comes with the rural lifestyle. The community faces many challenges along the way to create a solid and sustainable community in the region.
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