How Long Will Flagstaff Sustain Itself?

Interesting question, yes? Anyone who has passed through recently will surely tell you that there is an essence and a quaintness to this mid-sized town of roughly 66,000 people that is both unique and significant. Cherished within the heritage here lies the Lowell Observatory, Northern Arizona University, Buffalo Park, and many other distinct entities that help us to understand our history, recognize our present, and dream of our future.

But not everybody might agree with the notion that magic lives within these city limits. After all, with human interest steadily increasing, some familiar families have moved in. I'm sure you've heard of the Wal-marts, the Safeways, the Chili's, and the Chipotles. The McDonalds, the Taco Bells...I think you get the picture. Some might argue that these families are grossly overshadowing other families that have been here before; the Babbitts, the Riordans, the Sechrists, and many more that will be examined as this blog thread continues. But what is there to say about how the culture here is evolving? Buildings used to be named after actual people who contributed to the health and development of this area. Now we see the skyline littered at night with bright signs from major corporations that compete for our attention against the nebula of the Milky Way Galaxy above.

I dare to ask, what must the locals think? The Native Americans, Mexicans, and European settlers have all laid some claim to calling this beautiful brush of land their home. With this sort of cultural cocktail one might wonder who takes the lead in determining what development is allowed to take place. I find it quite fascinating that not far from the Wal-mart on the east side of town lie ruins from the Anasazi and Sinagua Indian tribes dating back more than seven centuries ago. How has an area that has shown magnificent examples of prehistoric civilizations now become home to big-box retailers?

Despite the clear defacement of the natural world by our marketing and advertising, this quaint town still resembles a stoic and prideful visage. With a downtown scene that offers a unique feel (filled with artwalks, boutique shops, and historical preservations) to the calming sense of tranquility brought about from the backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff still offers a majestic experience to anyone who comes.

But how long can this all last? Down this rabbit hole we'll go in finding what binds, and tears apart, this community of Flagstaff. What is the culture here? Will this community sustain over long periods of time or, like any great civilization, continue to rise until it collapses on itself. These questions and more as we proceed forward with uncovering the historical significance, modern experience, and future implications for Flagstaff, Arizona.