b'Greetings fromWILLCOX Heart of RocksChiricahua National MonumentORIGINALLY KNOWN AS MALEY, THE TOWN WAS FOUNDED IN 1880 as a whistle-stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad because of its position approximately halfway between El Paso and Phoenix. It was renamed in honor of a visit by General Orlando B. Willcox in 1889. In the early 20th century, Willcox was a national leader in cattle production. Agriculture remains important to the local economy, but Interstate 10 has replaced the railroad as the major transportation link, and much of the economy isnow tied to the highway, which runs north of the town.W illcox is a town steeped in history thatsThe Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame tips itswildlife. Members of the conservancy can rent one also home to artists, farmers, and thehat to Willcoxs ranching influence. The Willcoxof five casitas for a minimum three-day stay on the regions budding wineries which havearea has a long association with cattle. Cochiseproperty. They are currently assessing the future garnered lots of praise and accolades lately. ItCounty is the leading county in the state inof the lodging operation. Originally constructed became Arizona\'s second federally designatedlivestock numbers, with 300 of the states 1,200in the late 1800s, the renovated buildings wine-growing region in 2016. full-time commercial ranches and 18% of Arizonascombine historic charm and luxury with antique range cattle. In the 1930s, Willcox was the largestfurnishings, private bathrooms, kitchens, and Parts of the 1993 American film Red Rock Westrange cattle rail shipping point in the United Statesexclusive access to nearby natural spring hot tubs. starring Nicolas Cage, Lara Flynn Boyle, J. T. Walshearning Willcox the title of Cattle Capital of theWhen open, guests can take in the scenic views and Dennis Hopper were filmed in Willcox. World. Thus, it is most fitting that the people offrom the McMurray Commons multi-use room Willcox have a Cowboy Hall of Fame to honorand there is a deck for bird watching or stargazing. The Chiricahua Regional Museum servestheir town and those who helped build it. InducteesThe backcountry with 22 miles of hiking trails and to preserve the history of the ethnic groups andto the Hall of Fame must have lived in the Willcoxcanyons to explore remains open daily from dawn events that helped shape southeast Arizona.area for at least 30 years and must have generatedto dusk. Call for current restrictions.Maintained and operated by the nonprofit Sulphura major portion of their income from the livestock6502 N. Muleshoe Ranch Road. 800-628-6860Springs Valley Historical Society, the museumindustry. Equal consideration is given to ranchor 520-212-4295.holds a collection of artifacts, written documents,owners and working cowboys for inclusion. and photographs that tell the story of developmentConsideration is given to their level of involvementThe Apache Station Wildlife Areain the area from prehistoric times to today. Thein the livestock industry at the local, state, andhosts hundreds of visitors each year to witness museum focuses on the native Chiricahua Apachenational levels as well as stewards of the naturalthe Sandhill Cranes and thousands of other people and their interactions with early settlers,resources they manage. Each year posthumousmigratory birds wintering in the region. Located military conflicts, and the impacts of ranching,selections are also made. 150 N. Railroad Avenue.next to Apache Generating Station near Cochise, farming, railroads, and mining. They also hold520-384-4583.RexAllenMuseum.org the wildlife area sees mammals like bobcats, special educational children\'s events to raisejavelina, and deer as well as birds of prey suchawareness of the areas rich cultural history. 127 E.The Nature Conservancy and other local agenciesas the Northern Harrier, ferruginous and red-Maley Street. 520-384-3971. SSVHS.weebly.com/ work to protect the Muleshoe Ranchtailed hawks, and bald and golden eagles. Snow chiricahua-regional-museum.html. Cooperative Management Area whichgeese, mallards, and Northern Shovelers can also includes 49,120 acres of natural landscapes and The Rex Allen Cowboy Museum opened in 1989. The museum is a tribute to the famous cowboy, singer, and actor of the 40s who is Willcoxs most famous native son. Rex Elvie Allen (1920-1999), born and raised 40 miles north of Willcox was known as the "Arizona Cowboy" and "Mister Cowboy." The cowboys talents ranged from rodeo to radio, films, and television, making him a country-western icon. The museum features memorabilia from Rex Allens career, with a gift shop offering a variety of music CDs and DVDs of the actors movies and television series, as well as souvenirs and gifts. An oversized bronze statue of Rex stands across the street from the museum, with his horse KoKo buried at the foot of the statue.24 June 2022'