Pleasant Valley Museum. Regardless of whether you’re a history buff or you’re just looking for a fun, educational activity, it’s important to visit historical sites that are well curated and dedicated to illuminating the past. It’s time to visit the Pleasant Valley Museum in Young, Arizona, to discover more about the area’s rich history!

About. Every part of the Pleasant Valley Museum is historical, including the relics and the museum building, which is the previous Young Baptist Church. After the Baptists relocated to a new building, they removed the older church to its current site and donated it to the Pleasant Valley Historical Society to create a museum.

Exhibits. When you visit the Pleasant Valley Museum, multiple parts of history come alive! The museum features ranching exhibits, Native American artifacts, branding and veteran displays, an old-time kitchen, and more. Plus, there’s a lot of antique farm equipment housed on the property.

Miss Ola Young. Miss Ola Young was the town’s original post mistress in the late 1800s, and the town of Young (which was formerly called Pleasant Valley) is named for her. Today, the Pleasant Valley Museum boasts a display commemorating Young’s life and service to the town, with many of her personal belongings–dishes, quilts, and more–on display.

Pleasant Valley War. When you visit the Pleasant Valley Museum, you’ll also discover more about the Pleasant Valley War (1882-1892), which has been likened to the West’s version of the Hatfields and McCoys and is hailed as one of the West’s most deadly feuds. The Pleasant Valley War was a fight between two families, the Grahams and the Tewksburys, who likely began feuding over the cattle they both owned.

When sheep came to the valley in 1887, there was yet another point of contention for both families, and the fight escalated into cattle branding, murders, lynchings, and more. The Pleasant Valley War closed in 1892, when the sole surviving Graham family member, Tom Jr., was killed by Ed Tewksbury, who was the only surviving Tewksbury family member. By the time the feud had ended, there were at least twenty people–some estimates claim as many as fifty people–who had been killed. The Pleasant Valley War was a crucial piece of Arizona history, and some individuals believe the feud was so vital that it even delayed Arizona’s statehood. Today, along Young, Arizona’s, main street and situated nearby the historic cemetery, the Pleasant Valley Museum features pictures of the family members involved in the feud. Some of the Grahams are even buried in the cemetery located near the museum.

Outdoors. Ready for history and nature to collide? It certainly does at the Pleasant Valley Museum! The museum stands on ground that was originally owned by the Graham family. Come see how they lived and explore a replica of the Graham brothers cabin. There’s also a carport with three historic buggies that visitors can look at! The museum has a covered picnic area with two tables, which is a great spot for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Special Events. The Pleasant Valley Museum hosts plenty of special events, complete with speakers, so that Arizona natives and tourists alike can immerse themselves in the area’s rich history. If you can visit on the 3rd Saturday in July, there’s a lot to see and do during Pleasant Valley Days, which makes it a great time to stop by!

Discover more about Young’s rich heritage! Contact them today.

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Pleasant Valley Museum’s Reviews

“Has been a lot of hard work put into the museum. It has a very nice collection of memorabilia. Very enjoyable and a grand place for visitors to visit.” -Merle S.

“Beautiful artwork, great photo opportunities and history” -J.B.

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