Douglas was founded as an American smelter town by Dr. James Douglas, president of the Phelps Dodge Corporation. The City of Douglas was officially incorporated in 1905. The smelter was the main industry in Douglas and played a major role in its economic development. The copper ore was processed from the mine in Bisbee until 1987.
The Border Air Museum contains detailed accounts of the multiple aviation events that date back to 1908.
1929 - Douglas Municipal International Airport is created jointly with Agua Prieta. It is quite literally an "international airport" as pilots can taxi directly into Agua Prieta.
1929 - Amelia Earhart and many famous female pilots had flown into Douglas Municipal as part of "The Powder Puff Derby" air race from Santa Monica, CA to Cleveland, OH.
1933 - Eleanor Roosevelt is the "First Lady" to fly from the East Coast to the West Coast and officially designates Douglas Municipal Airport as the first international airport in the United States.
1947-1950 - Emigh Trojan A-2 airplanes are manufactured in Douglas.
In 1958, every player on the starting lineup of the Douglas Copper Kings baseball team hit a home run, defeating the Chihuahua Dorados 22-8. It was considered the only time in baseball history that this record has been achieved.
Douglas continues to be passionate about baseball. To date, high school and little league teams still play at the historic Copper Kings Stadium.
The Douglas-Williams House is named for the two families that made the house their home for more than 80 years. James S. Douglas was the son of Dr. James Douglas, the man for whom the town is named. Dr. Douglas was instrumental in development of Arizona and New Mexico copper mining in the late 1800s and early 1900s. James S. was deeply involved with Phelps Dodge Corp. and worked at copper operations in Arizona and Sonora. Ben F. Williams bought the house in 1943. Born in Bacoachi, Son., Williams was a borderlands cattleman, miner, and inventor. He served as Douglas Mayor, as did his son, Ben. F. Williams Jr., an attorney. When Ben Sr. died, Ben Jr. sold the house to the State of Arizona.
The Douglas-Williams Museum includes period rooms honoring the Douglas and Williams families, spaces with regularly changed displays, research library and specialty areas. These are world-class Marty-Dess camera collection, Douglas smelters, Douglas schools’ memorabilia, Douglas Fire Dept., and Sonora’s Elías family, including Mexican President Plutarco Elías Calles. The museum is adjacent to Church Square, site of four churches on one block, and Raúl Castro Park, named for the former Arizona Governor who grew up in Douglas.
Today, this historic House is owned by the Arizona Historical Society. It serves as the official museum of history for Douglas and its surrounding areas.
The Cochise County Historical Society was formed to promote the study of history in Cochise County; to gather and protect facts about the past; to publish or make available the information obtained by the society; and to maintain and operate a research center.
The Cochise County Historical Society was founded in 1966 and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Arizona on September 13, 1968. Its tax-exemption status is a 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service and was granted on December 17, 1971.
Cochise County was created on February 1, 1881, when it was annexed out of the eastern portion of Pima County. It takes its name from the legendary Chiricahua Apache chief Cochise and is the only county in Arizona named after an individual Indian. The first county seat was Tombstone until 1929, when it was moved to Bisbee. Cochise County consists of 6,219 square miles.
To say that Cochise County is rich in history is an understatement. From the Paleo-Indians to the Spanish explorers, from the Mexican settlers to the Chiricahua Apaches, from the early Anglo pioneers to the vibrant citizens of today, Cochise County history has something of interest for everyone. In addition to Cochise, names such as Wyatt Earp, Geronimo, Doc Holliday, Naiche, John Slaughter, Rex Allen, Billy Fourr, Nellie Cashman, Tom Jeffords and many others all add color to our famous county.
The Cochise County Historical Society: “To Preserve the Past for the Future.”
Douglas, Arizona, located in Cochise County, has a rich ranching history that dates to the late 1800s. Ranching played a significant role in the economic and social development in the, and many families in the area have been involved in the industry for generations. In the late 1800s, cattle ranching became prevalent in Douglas, with many ranchers coming from Texas and other part of the West to take advantage of the region's vast grazing lands. The arrival of the railroad in 1880 made it easier to transport cattle and other goods, and the town quickly became a hub for the ranching industry.
There are many well ranches and ranchers in the area, none as widely recognized as Slaughter Ranch, a National Historic landmark. John Horton Slaughter was a famous lawman, rancher, and politician, who captured notorious outlaws such as the Clanton gang and the Apache warrior Geronimo. John Slaughter helped to bring law and order during his tenure and became a successful cattleman upon retirement.
The social organization The Cowbelles whose purpose is to support and promote the American beef industry has origins in Douglas. The Cowbelles were founded October 17, 1939, at a meeting in the home of Mrs. Ralph Cowan. The member were originally made up of ranchers' wives and other women involved in the cattle industry. The Cowbelles is now a national organization with clubs in 30 states and a membership of almost 70,000.
