Flagstaff Community Profile Flagstaff, Arizona is located at the intersection of I-17 and I-40, and is the largest city in Northern Arizona. The City is also the regional center and county seat for Coconino County, the second largest county in the 48 contiguous states (by area). The City of Flagstaff is comprised of just over 64 square miles nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. It is surrounded by one of the largest pine forests on Earth. At nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is also one of the highest elevation cities in the United States.Flagstaff drew its name from a very tall flagpole made from a pine tree to celebrate our nation's centennial in 1876. The City is a year-round mecca for visitors.HistoryIn 1855, Navy Lieutenant Beale was surveying a road from Fort Defiance in New Mexico to Fort Tejon in California, and passed over the spot where Flagstaff now stands. Beale continued on, but noted the area’s resources. Years later, Boston emigrates who originally intended to settle near Winslow, but found the area already settled in, moved on towards California. On July 4, 1876, the emigrates stripped a pine tree and raised an American flag celebrating the nation's centennial. Their “flag staff” became a landmark for other travelers. The Atlantic and Pacific railroad began to lay track in 1880, and by 1881, shops were set up for the railroad workers. After the railroad passed through Flagstaff, citizens stayed behind as the town began to thrive.In 1894, Dr. Percival Lowell chose Flagstaff as the site for the now famous Lowell Observatory, due to the town’s great visibility. Northern Arizona Normal School began in 1899, undergoing several name changes until Northern Arizona University was adopted in 1966. During the 1920’s, Route 66 was built and passed through town, making Flagstaff a popular tourist stop. Flagstaff was incorporated as a city in 1928.Today, Flagstaff is a community rich with cultural diversity, beauty, and history; as well as, amazing educational, recreational, and scientific opportunities. CommunicationFlagstaff has a daily newspaper, The Arizona Daily Sun, and several weekly / bi-weekly publications. There are also several radio stations. Economic InformationFlagstaff is a governmental, educational, transportational, cultural, and commercial center. Government is one of the largest employment sectors. Tourism is also a large employer as the City sees over 5,000,000 visitors per year. In addition, the City is home to Northern Arizona University and other scientific and high tech research and development industries. Northern Arizona UniversityNAU, the largest employer in the City, has a major economic impact annually. The campus is used year-round, and Olympic athletes choose Flagstaff as a training site because of the climate, altitude and available facilities. Visit Website Now