Memorial Day Observance ceremony

Pioneer And Military Memorial Park

15th Avenue and Jefferson St., Phoenix, Arizona 85007
(602) 262-6412 (Central District)
(602) 262-6713 (TDD)



Smurthwaite House

Headstones in the park's historic cemetery


Avenue of Flags, benches, fountain, historic cemeteries.

Pioneer and Military Memorial Park serves as a monument to the pioneer families of Arizona. The park's historic cemetery is the final resting place to notable figures in Arizona history and folklore, including John T. Alsap, who was the first Maricopa County Probate Judge in 1871 and first Mayor of Phoenix in 1881.

Jacob Walz, the Dutchman of Superstition Mountain fame, also rests here. A monument to Walz includes a simulation of Weaver's Needle and some of the imposing bluffs that serve as landmarks of the famous Superstition Wilderness. Walz and his legendary "Lost Dutchman" gold mine have become part of the internationally-known folklore of the southwestern United States.

The historic Smurthwaite House was relocated to the park in 1994. Restoration, which began in May of 1998, was completed in 2004.

The house serves as the headquarters for the Pioneers' Cemetery Association and houses archives for burial records, obituaries and other data relating to historic cemetery sites. Send an e-mail to pioneercem@yahoo.com

The Smurthwaite House and Pioneer and Military Memorial Park are open to the public by appointment. Call the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 262-6412 to make arrangements. TDD/TTY number is (602) 262-6713.

Last Modified on 06/24/2008 16:04:08