Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery
A quiet resting place for Arizona's pioneers, including Big Nose Kate and the Granite Mountain Hotshots, offering a glimpse into the state's rich hist...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cooler temperatures and quiet reflection
Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and quiet reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quiet resting place for Arizona's pioneers, including Big Nose Kate and the Granite Mountain Hotshots, offering a glimpse into the state's rich history.
"Worth the stop to pay respects to historical figures like Big Nose Kate and the Granite Mountain Hotshots."
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. Stay on paths and avoid tall grass.
📍 Locate Big Nose Kate
Her grave is a key point of interest, found at the far left near the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Nose Kate's Final Resting Place
Far left end of the cemetery entrance
Visit the grave of Mary Katherine Horony Cummings, famously known as Big Nose Kate, companion of Doc Holliday.
Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial
Designated memorial area
Pay respects to the brave Granite Mountain Hotshots, whose sacrifice is honored here.
John Miller (Billy the Kid Impersonator)
Near Big Nose Kate's grave
Though unmarked, this is the resting place of a notable Billy the Kid impersonator.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit to Pioneer Graves
Locating Notable Residents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. Stay on paths and avoid tall grass.
📍 Locate Big Nose Kate
Her grave is a key point of interest, found at the far left near the entrance.
🚶♂️ Small but Significant
It's a compact cemetery, so a brief visit is usually sufficient to see the main points.
🙏 Honor the Hotshots
Take a moment to pay your respects at the Granite Mountain Hotshots memorial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. Stay on paths and avoid tall grass.
📍 Locate Big Nose Kate
Her grave is a key point of interest, found at the far left near the entrance.
🚶♂️ Small but Significant
It's a compact cemetery, so a brief visit is usually sufficient to see the main points.
🙏 Honor the Hotshots
Take a moment to pay your respects at the Granite Mountain Hotshots memorial.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery to be a well-maintained and historically significant site, particularly for its connection to Big Nose Kate and the Granite Mountain Hotshots. While small, it offers a poignant glimpse into Arizona's past and a place for respectful remembrance.
"Well-maintained small cemetery tucked into the city of Prescott. The most famous resident, Mary Katherine Horony Cummings aka Big Nose Kate, lies in rest here. Her grave is located at the far left end of the cemetery's entrance. Billy the Kid impersonator John Miller also is buried here; however, he has no grave marker even though he is listed on the cemetery's map. He is about 30 to 50 ft. from Big Nose Kate. But there is really nothing to see."
Travel With Trey
"Mary K. Cummings. She had a few names along the way but most people remember her as Big Nose Kate, wife of gunslinger John “Doc” Holliday.
Watch out for snakes
Pyro Rick to thumbs up"
Rick Inghram
"This is the final resting place for the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Definitely come here to pay your respect."
Jake Jobes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery is located in Prescott, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited in conjunction with other downtown Prescott attractions. Parking is typically available nearby.
Yes, the cemetery is situated within Prescott, making it convenient to combine with visits to historic downtown Prescott, Whiskey Row, or other local landmarks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is typically no entrance fee to visit the Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery. It is a public space for remembrance.
While specific hours may not be posted, cemeteries are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during respectful times, typically from dawn until dusk.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cemetery is the final resting place for many of Arizona's early settlers, including the notable Big Nose Kate and the Granite Mountain Hotshots. It's a place for historical reflection.
Given its size, a visit to the Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery is usually quite brief, often taking less than an hour to see the main points of interest.
Many visitors seek out the graves of Mary Katherine Horony Cummings (Big Nose Kate) and the Granite Mountain Hotshots. John Miller, a Billy the Kid impersonator, is also buried here, though without a marker.
Reviews suggest the cemetery is generally well-maintained, offering a respectful environment for visitors.
Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are reminded to be respectful of the solemn nature of the location.
🎫 🐍 Safety & Etiquette
Visitors are advised to be aware of potential wildlife, such as snakes, especially during warmer months. Stick to marked paths.
Visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, avoid disturbing grave markers, and refrain from littering.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider pairing this visit with more interactive historical sites in Prescott to provide a balanced experience. Ensure children are supervised and stay on designated paths, especially if wildlife is a concern.
🤠 History Buffs & Old West Enthusiasts
Don't overlook the resting place of John Miller, the Billy the Kid impersonator, which adds a unique, albeit less documented, element to the cemetery's historical tapestry. The presence of the Granite Mountain Hotshots memorial also connects to a more recent, yet equally significant, chapter of Arizona history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Notable Residents and Historical Significance
Beyond the Old West figures, the cemetery also holds a poignant memorial for the Granite Mountain Hotshots, the elite wildland firefighting crew who tragically lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013. This memorial serves as a place of honor and remembrance for their bravery and sacrifice. Another interesting, though unmarked, burial is that of John Miller, a known Billy the Kid impersonator, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the site.
Visiting the Arizona Pioneers' Home Cemetery offers a quiet opportunity to connect with the past and reflect on the lives of those who shaped Arizona. It's a compact site, making it an accessible stop for those interested in local history and notable figures.
Visiting and Photography Tips
For photography enthusiasts, the late afternoon light can offer beautiful opportunities for capturing the atmosphere of the cemetery. However, it's crucial to remember that this is a place of rest and remembrance. Visitors should always practice respectful photography, avoiding intrusive shots or disturbing the peace of the grounds. The cemetery's historical markers and the natural beauty of the desert landscape can make for compelling, yet somber, photographic subjects.
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