Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

= Location =

The Riordan Mansion State Historic Park can be found hidden in the Ponderosa pines of Kinlichi Knoll in Flagstaff, Arizona bordering Northern Arizona University.

Origin

This park features the remarkable psuedo-duplex home of Timothy and Michael Riordan, lumber baron brothers who married sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz. The brothers were members of an important Arizona Territorial family who played a role in the development of Flagstaff and northern Arizona and were involved in lumber, railroads, cattle, banking, and politics.

Cooperatively the Riordan brothers built their thirteen thousand square foot mansion in 1904 while Arizona was still a territory. The home consisted of two similar six thousand square foot wings for each family, connected by a large common room." [http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/mar/stories/riordan.html] ." "Janet Webb Farnsworth." Retrived on August 30, 2008]

Charles Whittlesey was the architect for the Riordan homes. He also was the architect for the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Architectural similarities between the structures can be found in the massive stone arches at porch corners as well as exterior elements that reflect the surrounding landscape like log planks, wood shingles, and native stone.

Park History

On November 15, 1978, after over a year of planning and negotiations, Arizona State Parks received a warrenty deed conveying the Riordan homes, much of their contents and five-acres of land surrounding the structures for State Park purposes.

The public opening of the Park was held on August 4, 1983 and only included the Timothy A. Riordan (east) side of the house. This was the results of cooperative efforts of the family owner, Robert Chambers, who had passed away in 1980, and the Arizona State Park board members and personnel. On April 27, 2002 the Michael J. Riordan (west) side was opened for self guided tours. " [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/RIMA/history.html] ." "Arizona State Parks." Retrived on August 30, 2008]

References

External Links

* [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/RIMA/index.html Arizona State Parks: Riordan Mansion State Historic Park]
* [http://www.desertusa.com/mag00/mar/stories/riordan.html Mansion Park History on Desert USA Website]