PRESCOTT

city, seat of Yavapai county, west-central Arizona, U.S. It is situated in a mile-high basin among pine-dotted mountains, in an area that is rich in minerals. Gold mining brought the first settlers to the site (1863); farmers and cattlemen followed. Fort Whipple was built and the town was founded in 1864 and named for William H. Prescott, the historian. The town was the capital of Arizona Territory until 1889 (except for the years 1867-77), when the capital was moved to Tucson. A basic cattle-farming and mining economy prevails, and small industries are increasing. Prescott is headquarters of the Prescott National Forest and has resort facilities. Prescott College was founded in 1966 and Yavapai College in 1966. Inc. 1881. Pop. (1990) 26,455.