Flagstaff Relocates Historic May Hicks House to Prevent Demolition

A Historic Relocation: May Hicks House Finds Temporary New Home

In a significant move aimed at preserving local history, Flagstaff has relocated the historic May Hicks house, a site deeply intertwined with Arizona’s heritage. Known for sewing the first Arizona flag prior to its statehood in 1911, May Hicks holds the title of the “Betsy Ross of Arizona”.

The relocation became necessary as the house was threatened with demolition to make room for new apartment complexes. However, the city stepped in to purchase the landmark, preventing its loss.

A unique spectacle unfolded as Flagstaff resident Shawn Browning witnessed the house being transported. He recounted, “Well, there seems to be a house going down my street right now, which is having a little bit of trouble navigating the Rio de Flag cut here on Leroux Street.”

Covering a distance of one and a half miles, the 800-square-foot building was carefully moved to a city-owned recycling center on Butler Avenue, marking this as its interim resting place.

Rhys Martin from the National Trust for Historic Preservation provided insight into Hicks’ life, stating that she crafted the flag at the behest of her fiancé and his commanding officer. He noted, “Although she did not create the design, she was the one who put it together for a flag for its very first display. But she was more than that, she owned businesses in Flagstaff. She was quite prolific, especially for that era in Arizona. And her story is mostly unknown outside of the city of Flagstaff, even in the greater state of Arizona.”

The project, which has garnered nearly $100,000 in funding, is spearheaded by Lauren Clementino from the city of Flagstaff. Clementino emphasized the importance of preserving such landmarks, saying, “May Hicks is really a remarkable woman in Flagstaff and Arizona History, and this is pretty unusual for the city to have stepped in. As Flagstaff grows, as places are infilled, it really is important to identify places like this that are above and beyond something normal, and this is when it’s really time to step in.”

While the house’s permanent location is yet to be decided, possibilities include a park or a return to the city’s Southside neighborhood. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recently recognized the Hicks House as one of the most endangered landmarks in the United States.

Updated for correction at 9:40 a.m. on May 20.