Mingus Union
High School District #4

Our Community

This is our little piece of heaven on earth—the place we love to call “Home.” Geographically centered in the state of Arizona within the Verde Valley, Cottonwood is nestled in a tranquil scene set by the thousands of cottonwood trees lining the bank of the Verde River. 

A Rich History

Originally inhabited by the ancient Sinaugua and later the Yavapai and Apache tribes, the Verde Valley remained untouched by the modern world until settlers began arriving in the late 1870s to provide goods for soldiers and miners. A major smelting hub, “company towns” sprung up around the area, and Cottonwood became the place for those who wanted to escape the prejudice and regulation of the company towns.

Unfortunately, the smelting industry was not immune to the ripple effects of the Great Depression, and by the mid-1930s saw massive job losses and the collapse of the mining-driven economy leading to the desertion of Jerome and Clemenceau. The construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1950s acted as the catalyst to breathe life back into the region.

Local Attractions

We are the outdoor lover’s paradise. With a diverse display of Mother Nature’s beauty, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Simply relish in our small-town way of life, or explore a few of our famous attractions:

Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Camping, horse riding, fishing, and hiking.

Old Town Cottonwood
Take a stroll down Main Street in Historic Old Town Cottonwood. A destination for wine lovers, you’ll also find world-class entertainment, galleries, thrift shops, boutiques, antiques, and gourmet cafes and restaurants.

Old Town Jail Trail
Start at the Historic Old Town Cottonwood Jail for an easy scenic hike and bird observation. 

Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Just outside Camp Verde is an animal adventure for all ages that both entertains and educates. 

Verde Canyon Railroad
The whole family will enjoy a ride aboard a classic locomotive. 

Jerome Ghost Town
Go back in time to when copper was king. Visit the Douglas Mansion and Mine Museum to learn about the town’s history. Then take a stroll down the virtually unchanged streets to absorb the artistic vibe.