Riggs Safford Building

June 1st, 1900 - Mr. Riggs bought land in Safford, AZ

On June 2nd, 1900 Mr. Riggs bought lots 7, 9, 11, and 13 in Blk 39 in the town of Safford from Mr. D.B. Williams and W.W. Williams and wife for the sum of $3,000.00. It was located on the Southwest corner of 10th and M Streets (now Main and Central Street). In February 1901 Mr. Riggs began preparations for having a commercial building built on our property in Safford.

  • February 12th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs went to Safford

  • February 15th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs is going to have a house built in Safford

  • February 26th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs went to Safford

  • May 20th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs and Mary had a nice time staying in Safford for a month

  • June 7th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs went down to Safford

  • June 15th, 1901 - Mr. Riggs got home from Safford

In June of 1901, Mr. Riggs broke ground for a 50’ x 60’ two-story brick building, with an iron front that will be thoroughly fire proof. The first story was 16 feet in the clear and the second 14 feet, making it the highest two-story building in town. The walls were four inches thicker than most brick buildings heretofore erected. It had a glass and iron front on two streets. The lower story was occupied by Taylor Cyclone Department Store and the upper story contained four neat and roomy office and the Masonic Hall.

June 21st, 1901 Arizona Range News -

The Riggs building now being constructed at Safford for Mr. Brannick Riggs, of Cochise County, will be one of the best and handsomest buildings in the Gila Valley when it is completed. It is of brick, two stories high and the finishes will be very attractive, both inside and out. When finished the lower room will be occupied by the Taylor Cyclone Department Store and the upper story will house the Masonic Lodge, besides affording several desirable office rooms. — Bulletin.

For a short time in 1915, our building was used by Graham County to house the County Offices until the new courthouse could be completed.

The boys were opening a bank in Willcox so we sold the building in Safford and let them use the money to open the bank. on March 26th, 1920 a Mr. Karl W. Sloan bought our building in Safford for $20,000.00 as an investment.

March 1920 - Mary signed a deed for a house they sold in Safford.

Riggs Building in Safford when it was first built

Riggs Building in Safford now