Heber Arizona
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Heber is in Eastern Arizona. It is in Navajo County. The town is in the
Sitgreaves National Forest and is just north of the Mogollon Rim. It is
located at the intersection of State Highway 277 and State Highway 260,
between Showlow and Payson.
Heber began as a lumber town, but soon outdoor enthusiasts found this an
ideal spot. Today Heber's population is 3,600, which is a combination of
both the towns of Heber and Overgaard. The town sits at an elevation of
6,000 feet. The climate is cool all year with a winter low temperature
of 14 degrees and a summer high temperature of 84 degrees. Heber is a
great place to take a moment and enjoy the scenery.
Although, this town is small, you will discover several places you will
want to visit. The Tall Timbers Heber/Overgaard Park is great place to
enjoy lots of outdoor fun. The park offers racquetball, softball,
basketball, volleyball and horseshoes. A large pavilion is the perfect
place to hold a big picnic. The park is just south of Overgaard on State
Highway 260. Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is located several miles west of
town on State Highway 260.
The hatchery offers a self-guided tour. You will learn a lot about the
varieties of fish found in the nearby lakes. The Pine Meadows Country
Club is located in Overgaard. The club offers a restaurant, driving
range, practice green and tennis courts. It is wonderful place to enjoy
a round and take in nature.
History:
During the period of 1876 through 1877, the Mormon migration was taking
place. Many groups headed to the Little Colorado River area. One group
built their community along the river's banks. This proved to be
disastrous. They found that the Little Colorado River was too difficult
to control.
Eventually, they had to move. James E. Shelley and Sanford Porter Jr.
discovered the area that is now Heber in 1883. This new location had a
steady water source, which would make life much easier.
The town was named after Heber C. Kimball. Kimball was a chief justice
of the state of Deseret, which eventually became Utah. He was also a
leader in the Mormon Church.
Heber's first post office was established in 1890.
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