Levi Ruggles Founder of Florence
Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles came to Arizona Territory in 1866 as a U.S. Indian Agent. Recognizing the agricultural potential of this valley, he found an easily fordable crossing on the Gila River and surveyed a townsite here. He called the village Florence, a favorite Ruggles family name, and early in 1869 built his first family home on this site. In August of that same year, with the aid of Governor R.C. McCormick, he secured a post office. Ruggles held numerous public offices, including that of Territorial legislator.
Marker is on West Ruggles Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
