The story of Sahuaro Ranch begins with the completion of the Arizona Canal in 1885. The canal stretched 44 miles across the Valley and opened up 100,000 acres of desert land to homesteading and irrigation farming. Local land speculators promoted the Salt River Valley as the future agricultural mecca of Arizona. 

William Henry Bartlett was 36 years old when he first became interested in land in the Salt River Valley. In 1886 he and his brother Samuel Colcord Bartlett were among a group of business-men from Peoria, Illinois, to homestead lands northwest of Phoenix and invest in fruit ranching and farming. The Bartletts saw bright prospects for their ranching investments. With water in the canal, large-scale fruit ranching could become a profitable enterprise. They each homesteaded one section of land in an area north of the future town of Glendale.

As men of wealth, the Bartletts could afford to make substantial investments in their ranches. They were partners in a grain brokerage business which, by the mid 1880’s, had become one of the largest traders in the Midwestern farm belt.

Bartlett became well known for his ranching activities in the West. His keen interest in the development of the western frontier began when he homesteaded the Sahuaro Ranch in 1886 and continued until his death in 1918. By 1891 he controlled over 2,000 acres of farmland near Glendale and was one of the largest ranchers in the region.

Bartlett had many well-built, efficient and comfortable buildings constructed on the Sahuaro Ranch. Residences for ranch hands, super-intendents, family and friends were built in a park-like setting landscaped with hundreds of rose bushes, a variety of palms and other specimen plants. The grounds also contained a large pond with a bridge leading to an island gazebo.

Although he visited the Ranch regularly, he never lived permanently at Sahuaro Ranch. Bartlett took an active role in its development and often directed Ranch activities by mail and telegram. Bartlett hired superintendents to manage his ranch operations, supervise continued improvements and advise him of local conditions.

The Adobe House was the first permanent dwelling built on the ranch. It was constructed in 1887 and served as the home and office of Stephen H. Campbell, Sahuaro Ranch’s first superintendent. Campbell was a well-educated banker from Denver, and W. H. Bartlett's brother-in-law. Campbell managed the ranch from 1886 to 1890 and under his supervision, the first improvements to the homestead were made. The original irrigation ditch was built and half of the 640-acre ranch was cleared and planted in figs and other fruit orchards, vineyards and fields of alfalfa.

The horse barn and the blacksmith shop were both built in 1887 as a part of the original farmyard. Draft horses and mules were used to pull orchard wagons, mowers, rakes and other farming equipment. Other farm animals included cows, bulls and hogs. In the 1890’s between 500 and 1,000 hogs were raised on Sahuaro Ranch and shipped by rail to outside markets.

In 1890 Harry W. Adams became the second superintendent. He was a founder of the Valley's first fruit growers association and was put in charge of the horticultural exhibit at Arizona's first Territorial Fair in 1890.

Under Bartlett's direction, Adams continued to plant fruit orchards and grain crops on the Ranch. A 100-acre olive orchard and a 20-acre orange orchard were set out in 1890. Both were among the first grown in the Valley.

Adams also experimented with growing date palms for commercial purposes and planted about 20 seedlings in 1891. The success of these palms to bear fruit and resist drought caused Bartlett to boast that he had “the finest date palms in Arizona.” The large date palm grove east of the ranch houses was planted by Richard W. Smith, who owned the ranch after 1927.

1891 was an important year for W.H. Bartlett and the Sahuaro Ranch. The fig orchards on the Sahuaro Ranch and Rancho del Higo were bearing fruit for the first time since they were planted. The Fruit Packing House was built during the summer of 1891 and completed in time for the fall harvesting of tons of figs grown on both Bartlett ranches. It was built specifically for drying and packing fruit according to the latest techniques perfected in California. The building was designed by prominent territorial architect James M. Creighton and was the largest packing house in the Salt River Valley.

The Guest House was built in 1898 and was intended by Bartlett as an “addition” to the main house. That summer his youngest son, Willie, was stricken with tuberculosis and doctors advised that Willie go West where the warm, dry climate would help his condition. Bartlett commissioned prominent Chicago architect J.B. Silsbee to design the building to accommodate the needs and comforts of his son and family. It was built in the remarkable time of 72 days, and was ready, complete with furnishings, when the family arrived on November 8, 1898.

The Foreman's House was constructed during the 1890’s. It was designed to resemble a colonial farm house and has a living room, dining room and kitchen, and a sleeping room on the second floor.

Bartlett continued to make improvements at the Sahuaro Ranch supplying electricity to his ranch buildings in 1899. By 1901 he had the pump house built for an oil-fired, electrical generator. It supplied electricity for lights and helped pump water from the nearby well. In 1905 the first automobiles were used on the ranch.

After Bartlett, other owners of Sahuaro Ranch continued to farm the ranch and diversify its use. P.E. Bradshaw, owner from 1913 to 1927, planted the first long-staple cotton in 1915. He also grazed sheep and cattle on alfalfa pastures at the ranch. Richard W. Smith purchase the ranch in 1927 and planted large citrus and pecan orchards and a commercial date grove.

We would like to thank the Arizona Historical Foundation for the above photographs.

Recent History of Sahuaro Park

In 1944, Richard W. Smith died, leaving Sahuaro Ranch to his son Richard S. Smith. In 1966 Mayor Max Klass began the application process for a federal grant for the City of Glendale to purchase Sahuaro Ranch. It took years for the purchase to be finalized but in 1977, the city acquired 80 acres of the original 640 acres.

The City of Glendale began the process to register 17 acres that include the historical structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning in 1981, the City of Glendale commissioned several studies for historic Sahuaro Ranch. Gerald A. Doyle and Associates was responsible for the historic structures report and historic preservation plan. Janus Associates produced the interpretive master plan. Woodward Architectural Group completed the Sahuaro Ranch Historic Site Master Plan in 1993, which was adopted by the Glendale City Council in 1995. The Woodward plan is still followed today for restoration of historic structures, appropriate uses of the buildings and development of new structures.

In 1991, Sahuaro Ranch presented its first antique tractor show in collaboration with the Arizona Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association. Since then, the tradition began of holding two annual antique tractor shows – one in the spring and the other held in conjunction with Sahuaro Ranch Days in November. The Tractor Association was instrumental in the restoration of the ranch’s barnyard area as a site for staging their shows.

Over the years Sahuaro Ranch has also become home to other annual events including the Glendale Arts Council’s Juried Fine Arts and Youth Exhibits. The Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association regularly does demonstrations for school tours and special events.

During 1995-1996, major restoration began on the Main House, Fruit Packing Shed, Foreman’s House and other historic structures. The most recently completed restoration was the porch for the Main and Guest Houses, which were dedicated in 2004. Future capital improvements include a barnyard building for storing collections and staging special events and a visitor center near the park entrance. Major funding for restoration of historic sites came to the city through matching grants from the Heritage Fund, Arizona State Parks.

The City of Glendale has a long history of preservation and has made a financial commitment to preserve historic Sahuaro Ranch. The city has maintained and preserved Sahuaro Ranch. During this time, historical grants have been acquired, partnerships have been formed, and numerous visitors have appreciated the historical value of Sahuaro Ranch. The City of Glendale will continue to preserve and nurture this historical landmark for generations to come.

6/15/23 - AT THIS TIME WE WILL NOT BE SCHEDULING TOURS
Historic Main House Tour
Tours occur every half hour, please wait on porch for guide.
Enjoy a tour of the Main House built in 1891, and discover what Arizona ranch life was like for the families living here from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. For groups of 10+, please call 623-930-4201 for reservations.

• September - July
  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays
  1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays

Please note: The Main House is annually closed during the entire month of August and the first weekend in September. 

6/15/23 - AT THIS TIME WE WILL NOT BE SCHEDULING TOURS
Educational Field Trips
School Tours are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings October to April. Tours of the Ranch buildings and agricultural areas include hands-on activities that meet multiple Social Studies Education Standards covering Arizona history. You must book a tour in advance! Please download the documents below, and call 623-930-4201 to reserve your tour.

Tour Materials
Click on the document below to download a pdf file: 

Historic Sahuaro Ranch Educational Tour Info Sheet

Guidelines for Booking a School Tour at Historic Sahuaro Ranch

Apply for a Photography Permit Here

Parks and Recreation Staged Photography/Videography at Historic Sahuaro Ranch

Media permits for photography and videography are required in the Historic Sahuaro Ranch for ALL staged photographs and video production, with or without props.

We are pleased that you want to choose Historic Sahuaro Ranch as a photographic destination. In an effort to preserve the historic integrity and cultural resources of the Ranch, anyone wishing to use this location for the purpose of photography or videography (exceptions noted below) may only do so by acquiring a special-use Photography Permit. This includes, but is not limited to, weddings, ceremonies, receptions, photo shoots and filming by any individual or group. 

Historic Sahuaro Ranch One Year Commercial Media Permit Fee 

A Commercial Permit is $100.00 per photographer and is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Permits are issued to individuals, not companies. Permit fees are non-refundable and can be obtained: 
In Person: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Glendale Parks and Recreation Office, located in the Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St., Glendale AZ 85302; or Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale AZ 85308.
or Online: Click here.

Permits must be carried with you at all times while on the Historic Sahuaro Ranch grounds.

Photography and moving film/video sessions requiring additional equipment such as large props or racks of clothing require the rental of specific locations and a certificate of liability insurance. Please contact the Historic Sahuaro Ranch Rental Coordinator for location availability at 623-930-4202.

Photographer “Black Out” Dates

• February 2022: Antique Tractor and Engine Show (Exact dates TBD)

• March 4 - 7, 2022: Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival

What type of photography would not require a permit?

• Photographers associated with a facility rental do not need a permit during the hours of the reservation, as a One Day Permit is included with all rental contracts.

• Non-portrait photography including animals, trees and other landscape features.

• Candid or spontaneous photography of park activities such as picnicking, feeding the birds, or touring/sightseeing that does not otherwise fall into the permit criteria.

Historic Sahuaro Ranch Media Permit for Photography/Videography Conditions 

• There are a limited number of days during the year that Historic Sahuaro Ranch grounds will be closed, when an entrance fee is charged to access the grounds during special events or when free public events will be held on Historic Sahuaro Ranch grounds. Please call 623-930-4200 to verify venue availability.

• Do not enter areas restricted for other rentals or for scheduled weddings and events. Please be respectful of any “pay for use” event or organized function.

• Do not interfere with tours or public programs.

• Do not knowingly damage Historic Sahuaro Ranch buildings, features or grounds.

• Do not leave any traces of the photography activity by returning door mats and signs temporarily moved for photographic purposes and by picking up any associated litter.
  

Private vehicles are not permitted on Historic Sahuaro Ranch grounds outside of the defined public parking lots without a permit and certificate of liability. Contact the Historic Sahuaro Ranch Rental Coordinator for more information at 623-930-4202.

This policy will manage all photography or videography use at Historic Sahuaro Ranch to protect the historic integrity of the site and its cultural resources and to provide a mechanism to accommodate use by the public with other activities (special events, rentals, tours, or weddings). Establishment of this permit and fee is consistent with Section 27-1. B. of the Glendale Municipal Code. 

Historic Sahuaro Ranch Map (Download)

History of the Rose Garden


The scenic rose garden, in front of the Main and Guest houses at the Ranch, dates back to 1890.

Watch a video on the Ranch's history, including the Rose Garden, featuring Barrel District Councilmember, Bart Turner. 

Weddings

The Rose Garden is a popular place for weddings. To book or for more information, contact the Glendale Historical Society. 

Glendale Deadheaders

Help keep the rose garden looking beautiful! The Rose Garden Deadheaders help keep the rose bushes in the Ranch's historical area looking great throughout the year. This important team of volunteers weed, prune, and/or "deadhead" the bushes, removing the spent blooms. Volunteers can help with any part of the Ranch's rose garden or be assigned to a small part to be responsible for. Volunteers choose the best time in their schedules to visit the garden and "deadhead." Enjoy the beautiful garden, meet new people and learn from certified rosarians. Come to the meeting to see what it is all about and have some fun too. This group is part of the Rose Society of Glendale.

The Ranch is home to a number of animals and a number of volunteers supporting these animals. We ask that all individuals feeding the animals do so away from historic buildings, porches and walkways. Food and food particles can be tracked into the historic buildings.

Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association 
Participates in tours and events held at Historic Sahuaro Ranch. This state-wide organization provides narrated educational units for school tours and individual events held throughout the year. The blacksmithing demonstration is a unique experience, it truly is an Art. www.AZ-blacksmiths.org

Arizona Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association
Provides event support for hay rides at large events held at Historic Sahuaro Ranch. This organization plans and coordinates an Antique Tractor & Engine Show on the 2nd weekend of February. In addition, provides knowledge and planting/harvesting logistics for farming crops in the Demonstration Field as well as an agricultural education day demonstrating historic farming techniques to grade school students. www.aedgeta.org

The Glendale Arizona Historical Society
The Glendale Arizona Historical Society schedules and coordinates wedding ceremonies in the Rose Garden in addition to managing the Guest House tours and operations. To contact the Historical society office, please call 623-435-0072 or visit www.glendalearizonahistoricalsociety.org.

The Rose Society of Glendale
A nonprofit, educational organization affiliated with the American Rose Society. We are a community oriented, family organization for anyone interested in our national floral emblem-The Rose. The Rose Society of Glendale provides an opportunity to share a love of roses by providing information, education and demonstrations at our monthly meetings and various rose functions throughout the year. Visit our website www.roseglenaz.com for meeting and contact information.

 Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
If you are feeding free-roaming, wild or feral cats you cannot catch, help is available. The Spay and Neuter Hotline (SNH) has a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats. TNR is the most humane and effective method for stabilizing the feral cat population. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed and neutered, ear-tipped and returned. To sign up for the TNR program, please contact the SNH at 602-265-7729 (SPAY) or email feralcats@adlaz.org. Visit us on-line at www.spayneuterhotline.org