Riordan Mansion

Nearby Parks Guided Tours American Arts & Crafts If you’re having a great time here, don’t forget to visit one of the four nearby state parks! Slide Rock State Park (22 miles) As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The creek offers the park’s namesake slide for adventure-seekers and those looking for a place to cool off. (928) 2823034 Red Rock State Park (38 miles) is a 286acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery. Trails throughout the park reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. The creek meanders through the park, creating a habitat abundant with plants and wildlife. (928) 2826907. Fort Verde State Historic Park (55 miles) Experience living history and life through the eyes of a frontier soldier. The fort was a base for General Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s. From 1865 – 1891 Camp Lincoln, Camp Verde and Fort Verde were home to officers, doctors, families, enlisted men, and scouts. (928) 567-3275. The interior of the Mansion is seen by guided tour only. Tours begin on the hour and last approximately one hour. A tour guide will lead you through the East House; a pristine historical home filled with original artifacts, hand-crafted furniture, and personal mementos of the Riordan families. The tour concludes in the West House where visitors have the opportunity to wander the first floor exhibit area. Reservations for the tour are highly recommended and required for buses and large groups. Visit azstateparks.com/ riordan-mansion for current info. In the early 1900s, a new style of architecture, influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement in England, became popular in the United States. A reaction against the excesses of the Victorian era and the giant factories of the Industrial era, this new philosophy emphasized simplicity, craftsmanship, and the beauty found in nature. The new architectural designs included open floor plans, exposed structural elements, walk-in closets, and built-in storage features. Buildings were supposed to blend into the natural landscape, using locally available materials, and celebrate local cultures and traditions. A uniquely American blending of the natural environment with the melting pot of cultures resulted. Established 1957 Riordan State Historic Park 409 W. Riordan Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 RIORDAN MANSION STATE HISTORIC PARK Park Rules 01/22 Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure — a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servants quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by Charles Whittlesey, architect of the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel. Thank you for visiting! (928) 779-4395 | 1-877-MYPARKS azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion AZStateParks Like/Follow/Watch us on: 1-877-MYPARKS | azstateparks.com Please protect this special park by observing the following rules: General Rules • Do not litter! “Leave no trace” and pack out what you bring in, or use the trash receptacles provided in the park. • Leave all food and open drink containers outside of the park buildings. • Drive your vehicle only on designated paved surfaces. Park only in designated parking areas. Do not park on the side of the road. • Do not use glass containers in the park. Mansion Rules • Use the red carpet as your stepping guide. • Silence all electronic devices. • Only closed water bottles are permitted in the house. • Leave strollers, large bags, and backpacks out of the house. • Only service animals are permitted inside the house. • Do not use tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, or any equipment in addition to your camera. Personal photos are allowed. Commercial photos require a permit. • Be aware of your surroundings. Damaging artifacts is a crime. The rules of this park are not limited to the rules listed above. Additional park rules may be found at www.azstateparks.com. Riordan Mansion exhibits these ideas with log slab siding covering the frame-built structure, lending a rustic appearance to the home. Log ends protrude at eaves and corners to further the illusion of log construction, and local volcanic rock forms the base, chimneys, and arches. The common room between the two homes is intended to be a large, welcoming social area and continues the rustic look with exposed, log-supported ceiling beams. The inside of the homes have elegant interior formal spaces which feature plaster walls, wainscoting, built-in bookcases, window seats, and beautiful wooden light fixtures. Skylights and stained glass spread natural light throughout the open floor plan. RIORDAN MANSION STATE HISTORIC PARK The Families & the Lumber Company Timothy and Michael Riordan followed their older brother D.M. (Matt) Riordan west, initially taking jobs at the Ayer Lumber Company where Matt was General Manager. Matt purchased the Ayer Lumber Company in 1887 creating the Arizona Lumber Company which later became the Arizona Lumber & Timber Company. Matt and his brothers were very successful and as the largest employers in the area they contributed to the growth of early Flagstaff. Matt sold the mill to his younger brothers in 1897 and left Flagstaff. Timothy and Michael decided to make Flagstaff their permanent home. Timothy married Caroline Metz in 1889 and a few years later Michael married her younger sister Elizabeth. The women were cousins of the Babbitt brothers, another influential Flagstaff family. Tim and Caroline had two daughters; Mike and Elizabeth had six children. The two families lived side by side adjacent to the lumber mill. The Mansion By 1903, with a successful business and growing families, Timothy and Michael decided to upgrade to new larger homes. They contacted Santa Fe Railroad architect Charles Whittlesey to design the houses. Duplex homes in the American Arts & Crafts style were created for the two families. Each family had approximately six thousand square feet of living space with all the modern amenities of the day. The two homes were connected by a large common room, which gave the families an area for relaxation, entertainment and plenty of space for the children to play. The Riordan families lived out their years on their sides of the house with the second generation donating the homes and most of the original family furniture and belongings including pieces by Stickley and Tobey Furniture Company. Arizona State Parks acquired the east house in 1978 and began giving tours in 1983. The west house was acquired in 1986 and opened to the public in 2002. Building a Community As business leaders and the largest employers in Flagstaff, the Riordan brothers were known for their efforts on behalf of the community. Their priorities revolved around supporting their business and the economic development of Flagstaff. In a new and growing frontier environment, this meant securing government services, attracting industry to diversify the economy, and making technological improvements for the community. In keeping with their Catholic faith, middle-class origins, and Progressive era values, it also meant establishing medical care, churches, schools, and the infrastructure needed for a healthy community. Learn more about how the Riordans contributed to Flagstaff by reading an excerpt from Community Builders: The Riordan Families of Flagstaff on our website. Facilities The park is a National Register Historic Site with a 6-acre wooded area, picnic tables, and restrooms. The Veranda and Visitor Center may be rented for special events & weddings. Contact the park for details. Online Information Visit azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion for current park information and upcoming events. You can also view recordings of past virtual lectures and explore behind the scenes with the Interactive Tour of the Servant’s Areas. Elizabeth Riordan with her children Robert, Blanche, Clare, and Arthur - 1904 Tim Riordan with daughters Mary and Anna, and wife Caroline - 1904