Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997... both at pio at azstateparks.gov

MEET THE TOUGHEST MEN IN ARIZONA HISTORY AT RIORDAN MANSION STATE HISTORIC PARK IN AUGUST

(Phoenix, Arizona - July 30, 2007) - Riordan Mansion State Historic Park will present two living history programs with Arizona's toughest men in August.

On Tuesday, August 14 at 12:15 p.m., Christopher T. DeMille, Park Manager at McFarland State Historic Park, will present a short talk on the 19th Century soldier in Territorial Arizona. In period uniform, DeMille will discuss the hardships and day-to-day life of the enlisted man on the frontier. Topics to include: food, weapons, everyday work and the role the army played in settling Arizona. Questions are welcome, and after the lecture, the public is encouraged to examine the artifacts on display.

On Saturday, August 18, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park plays host to history with northern Arizona's very own "A" Troop. They will appear in authentic period dress of the famous "Rough Riders" carrying 100-year-old weapons and will be accompanied by their equally resplendent ladies.

The Arizona Rough Riders is a commemorative group that brings the Spanish/American War era (1898) to life for audiences. Janet Napolitano, Governor of Arizona, has given the Arizona Rough Riders a special commission as the "Official Spanish/American War Reenactment Group" for the State of Arizona.

The troop is a ceremonial and re-enactment unit whose purpose is to honor all American War Veterans and to portray, in a historically accurate way, the life, and times of the Arizona Rough Riders. They will describe the era, the war, and the effects of the war on the community's social mores at turn of the century America.

The Rough Riders came from Prescott 100 years ago, along with the Flagstaff men who also went to the war in the famous "cowboy cavalry." The Rough Riders are the most famous of all volunteer units in the history of the U.S. Military. There are approximately 170 men who joined from the Arizona Territory.

For more information about events at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, or to make reservations for a tour, call the park at (928) 779-4395. Riordan Mansion, built in 1904 by Michael and Timothy Riordan, is an impressive example of the importance of preserving Arizona history. Park hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Riordan Mansion tours begin each hour. The first tour is at 9 a.m. and the last tour is at 4 p.m. Tour reservations are recommended.

Regular entrance fees are $6 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 7 to 13, children ages 6 and younger are free. Riordan Mansion is located next to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Riordan Road.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

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