Tom Mix, Hollywood Cowboy

Back in the 1920's and 30's cowboy western movies were popular, and the most popular cowboy in all of them was Tom Mix. Tom started his career doing odd jobs for a road circus and worked his way up. He was spotted by a Hollywood agent and became a movie star, starring in over 300 films, most of them silent. Back in the day actors were expected to perform their own stunts. Tom was known for his toughness, as many of his stunts led to injuries. Despite making millions, the stock market crash and four ex-wives took most of Tom's fortune. Towards the end of his career he was nearly broke.

Ironically, the most significant part of Tom Mix's life that ties him to Pinal County is his death. Tom Mix's story came to an end on 12 October, 1940 on Highway 79 (Highway US 80 back then), just south of Florence, at the age of 60. Back then Highway 79 was just a dirt road, and on that day road maintenance was being done on an area where a wash crossed the road. Tom had a reputation for having a "lead foot" and on that day the road crew said he was driving at high speed in his Cord Convertible. Near the wash he lost control of the car and crashed into a ditch. A metal suitcase he had in the back seat flew forward and hit him in the back of the head, killing him almost instantly.

Today there is a memorial and rest stop at the accident site. In addition, the wash was renamed the Tom Mix Wash. To learn more about Tom Mix and see some of the items from his life and career stop in at the PCHS Museum!

The Yellow 1937 Cord Convertible Tom was Driving When He Crashed

Tom Mix, Hollywood Cowboy

The Memorial for Tom Mix on Highway 79, South of Florence

Pinal County 150th Anniversary - Submit Your Memory!

Throughout this special year, Pinal County will be collecting memories of residents to share across the County website and social media.

If you have a special memory or photograph from your life in Pinal County, click on the link below to submit and share!

Submit Your Memory

PCHS Chairman Receives Public Service Award

Paul Lovelis received the Tom Karas Indigent Defense Award, honoring Arizona's first Federal Public Defender and is presented to a member or organization for exceptional service to the indigent defense community in Arizona. Paul's many years of service, commitment, and dedication to improving the plight of justice-involved individuals and supporting excellence in defense representation in Pima and Pinal Counties have earned him this well-deserved recognition!

Third Fridays in Florence!

The "Third Fridays" event takes place on the third Friday of each month through April. This event takes place on Main Street from 5-8 pm. The fun includes food trucks, live music, and various vendors (one of which is the museum gift shop!). Stop by and say Hello!

This month we are featuring some of the newer items in our gift shop, including PCHS 20 oz insulated tumblers, wind up butterflies, and many other items!

We welcome you to our Gift Shop Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.