*Chino Valley is the site of the first
Territorial Capital of Arizona established
on January 22, 1864. U.S. Army Calvary Lt.
Amiel W. Whipple gave the community the name
"Chino," which is the Mexican term for the
abundant, curly, gamma grass growing in the
area. Agriculture has been prominent in
Chino Valley’s history and farmers have
grown corn, alfalfa, pinto beans, and raised
cattle. The capital moved to Prescott, 16
miles south, in October 1864. Modern Chino
Valley incorporated in 1970 and the 2004
census reported a population of just under
9,160
with surrounding unincorporated Yavapai
County adding another 10,000 people to the
immediate area. Chino Valley’s elevation is
4,750 ft. and it is 115 miles from the
current state capital of Phoenix and about
15 miles North of Prescott on Highway 89.
