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Smurthwaite House: A Glimpse into Phoenix's Past

Explore the Smurthwaite House, a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century architecture, nestled in Phoenix's historic Pioneer and Military Memorial Park.

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The Smurthwaite House, built in 1897, is a rare example of Shingle Style architecture in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally a boarding house, it became a private residence and later a museum, offering a glimpse into the city's late 19th and early 20th-century life.

A brief summary to Smurthwaite House

  • 1317 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, Governmental Mall, Arizona, 85007, US
  • +1602-825-8963

Local tips

  • Visit during the fall and winter months for a more comfortable experience, avoiding the scorching summer heat.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park to learn about Arizona's pioneers.
  • Check out other historical landmarks in downtown Phoenix, such as the Rosson House Museum and St. Mary's Basilica.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Arizona State Capitol, head east on West Adams Street, then turn right onto 17th Avenue. Walk south for two blocks. The Smurthwaite House is located within the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park on your right. There are no fees for entering the park or viewing the house from the exterior.

  • Public Transport

    Valley Metro Rail provides service to the Capitol/1st Ave station, a 15-minute walk to the Smurthwaite House. From the station, walk west on West Washington Street, then turn left onto 13th Avenue. Walk south for one block to West Jefferson Street. Turn left and walk east to the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Ride Share

    From downtown Phoenix, a rideshare to the Smurthwaite House (1317 W Jefferson St) typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on demand and the time of day.

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Discover more about Smurthwaite House

The Smurthwaite House, located in downtown Phoenix's Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Constructed in 1897 by architect James Miller Creighton, the house exemplifies the Shingle Style architecture, a design rarely seen in Phoenix. Originally built as a boarding house for Dr. Darius M. Purman and his wife, Mary, the house later became the residence of Captain Trustrim Connell, a Medal of Honor recipient, and his family in 1903. The Connell family owned the house for 35 years, after which it was passed on to Caroline Smurthwaite, an art dealer specializing in Native American art. Her daughter, Carolann Smurthwaite, inherited the house and lived there until her death in 1982. Carolann bequeathed the house to three Arizona museums, who then entrusted it to the City of Phoenix with the wish that it be preserved for the public. In 1994, the house was moved 26 blocks to its current location in the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park. Today, the restored Smurthwaite House serves as the office for the cemetery and a research source for state historic cemeteries, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Phoenix's past.

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