By Paul Russell & Rick Rome
Special Thanks to Nikki Lober and Michelle Thompson
at Arizona State Parks & Trails – Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

View the article as it appears in the October/November issue of DTPR Magazine

The Riordan Mansion a journey into the past that continues to shape Flagstaff’s future

Nestled quaintly in the Ponderosa Pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Riordan Mansion is a testament to the legacy of two pioneering brothers who helped shape the economic and social fabric of the town. Built in 1904, this magnificent home offers a unique window into the lives of the Riordan family, their contributions to Flagstaff, and the architecture of the early 20th century.

A Glimpse into History

The Mansion was commissioned by Timothy and Michael Riordan, brothers who were successful lumber barons in Flagstaff. As owners of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, they played an essential role in the economic development of the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Riordans were among the town’s early settlers, having moved west from Chicago in the 1880s.

Both brothers married sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, and in a unique architectural arrangement, the mansion was built as a shared home for their families. To bring their vision to life, the Riordans enlisted the services of Charles Whittlesey, a prominent architect known for designing the famed El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. The result was a grand structure that reflected the wealth, influence, and shared values of the Riordan family.

Architectural Masterpiece

Designed in the American Arts & Crafts style, the Riordan Mansion emphasizes harmony with the environment, fine craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials. The mansion is divided into two large wings, one for each of the 2 Riordan families, connected by a central communal room known as the “Rendezvous Room.” This thoughtful design allowed the families to maintain their privacy while still remaining closely connected.

The mansion boasts an impressive 40 rooms across 13,000 square feet, built using local materials such as volcanic stone and Ponderosa pine. Its low, sloping rooflines, extensive use of stone and timber, and large verandas blend seamlessly with the forested surroundings. Inside, stained glass windows, built-in furniture, and a massive stone fireplace in the central gathering area reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement.

A Historic Treasure Preserved

In 1978, the Riordan Mansion was donated to Arizona State Parks and is now preserved as Riordan Mansion State Historic Park. Visitors to the park can explore the mansion, which is filled with original furnishings, artifacts, and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the lives of the Riordan family and their era.

The Riordan family is an important part of Flagstaff’s history, known for their significant contributions to the city’s economic, social, and cultural development. The family’s legacy is closely tied to the lumber industry, in addition to family’s philanthropic and civic involvement.

In 1904 The Riordan Mansion, was built to be a marvel of modern innovation for its time, boasting a variety of luxuries that were remarkably ahead of the era. Renowned architect Charles Whittlesey, designed the mansion to be equipped with conveniences that were virtually unheard of in most homes of the early 20th century.

One of the most impressive features was its indoor plumbing, which included hot and cold running water, a rare and extravagant luxury in Flagstaff during that time. The mansion also had its own centralized heating system, a significant advancement when compared to the typical use of wood-burning stoves & fireplaces in other homes. The presence of electric lighting, powered by electricity which was generated at the Arizona Lumber & Timber Company, further set the Riordan home apart, as electricity was still a novelty in most American households. The Riordans actually had electricity in their first homes in 1898. Downtown Flagstaff didn’t get electricity until 1913.

Additionally, the mansion was outfitted with built-in cabinetry, custom woodwork, and expansive windows that offered natural light and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A state-of-the-art intercom system, installed to communicate between different parts of the house, provided another layer of convenience for the Riordan family.

These extraordinary features made the Riordan Mansion not only a symbol of wealth and status but also a pioneer in architectural and technological innovation for the period.

The Riordan Family’s Story

Two brothers married two sisters, and together they became well-known for their remarkable contributions to Flagstaff’s economic, social, and cultural development.

The Riordan family and their Profound Impact on Flagstaff, Arizona.

The Riordan family’s story begins with Timothy and Michael Riordan, two brothers who moved to Flagstaff from Chicago in the late 19th century. They were part of a large family of Irish descent, and their father Tim Riordan was a carpenter; who lived in New York when he first immigrated to the US. The brothers were brought to Flagstaff by their brother, Matthew Riordan, he had been successful in mining and other businesses throughout the west leading him to be offered the position of General Manager of the Ayer Lumber Company. He arrived in Flagstaff in 1884 (only two years after the railroad arrived) and encouraged his younger brothers to join him working at the mill..

Establishing the Riordan Legacy

The Riordan brothers arrived in Flagstaff in the 1880s, at a time when the town was still developing and the surrounding region was rich in natural resources. The brothers quickly became involved in the local lumber industry, which was essential to Flagstaff’s early economy.

In 1887, they became co-owners of the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, one of the largest and most influential businesses in the area. Under the Riordans management, AL&T flourished, becoming the largest employer in Flagstaff. The company harvested the Ponderosa pine forests surrounding Flagstaff, which were in high demand for railroad related construction and building materials.

The success of AL&T allowed the Riordans to accumulate significant wealth, and they used their resources to invest in the community. They were instrumental in the early development of Flagstaff’s infrastructure and institutions, helping to build schools, churches, and other civic amenities.

Riordan Family’s Influence on Flagstaff’s Growth

Also, The Riordan brothers were not only successful businessmen but prominent civic leaders who believed in community development. Their influence extended beyond the lumber industry, and they played key roles in shaping Flagstaff’s growth.

Key Contributions of the Riordan Family Include:

Supporting the Development of Northern Arizona University (NAU)

The Riordans were early advocates for establishing a higher education institution in Flagstaff. Their support helped pave the way for the founding of the Northern Arizona Normal School, which later became Northern Arizona University (NAU). Today, NAU is one of the largest educational institutions in the state.

Community Leadership and Civic Engagement

Both Timothy and Michael Riordan were actively involved in local politics and civic affairs. They served on boards, supported charitable causes, and were contributors to the development of the local hospital, schools, & other essential services. Their leadership was a driving force behind Flagstaff’s transformation from a small, rural town into a more modern, thriving community.

Church and Religious

Contributions

The Riordans were devout Catholics, and they played an important role in the development of the Catholic community in Flagstaff. They contributed to as well as encouraged the construction of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, one of the oldest and most significant churches in Flagstaff.

Timothy and Michael Riordan were not only business partners but also brothers who shared a deep bond. They both married sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, and raised their families together in Flagstaff. Their familial closeness was also present in their business and philanthropic endeavors, creating a legacy built on shared values of community, hard work, and faith.

Bringing The Lowell Observatory to Flagstaff

Percival Lowell, a wealthy astronomer from Boston, arrived in Flagstaff in 1894 to establish an observatory for studying Mars and other celestial bodies. Lowell was fascinated with the possibility of life on Mars, and he chose Flagstaff for his observatory due to its high altitude, clear skies, and dry climate, which made it ideal for astronomical observations. His observatory, now known as Lowell Observatory, became world-famous for its research and discoveries, including the eventual discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930.

The relationship between the Riordan family and Percival Lowell was one of mutual support. The Riordans, strong believers in discovery, science, conservation, and as local business leaders, were crucial in assisting Lowell with his observatory’s construction and operations. They provided practical support, including building materials and labor from their lumber company, which was instrumental in the establishment of the Lowell Observatory. The Riordans hosted A.E. Douglass. Douglass was Lowell’s representative sent to determine the best location for the observatory..

Timothy Riordan and Lowell shared a friendship, built on their mutual interests in science, culture, and the development of Flagstaff. While the Riordans were not directly involved in astronomy, they supported Lowell’s scientific endeavors, recognizing the cultural and educational value that the observatory brought to the town. The observatory attracted scientists and scholars to Flagstaff, raising the town’s profile & contributing to its reputation as a center for research and discovery.

Civic and Cultural Impact in a Most Significant Way

Both the Riordans and Lowell were involved in the broader civic life of Flagstaff. Lowell’s presence in Flagstaff, facilitated in part by the Riordans, helped bring international attention to the town. This not only boosted the local economy but also helped cultivate a culture of intellectual curiosity and scientific inquiry in the region. The observatory became a focal point of Flagstaff’s identity, while the Riordans’ contributions to the town’s infrastructure laid the foundation for its growth.

Shared Vision for Flagstaff

The Riordans and Percival Lowell both had a vision for Flagstaff that extended beyond its economic development. For the Riordans, this meant creating a thriving, cohesive community with access to education and culture. For Lowell, it meant establishing Flagstaff as a place where world-class scientific research could take place. The combination of the Riordans’ contributions to civic life and Lowell’s scientific pursuits helped shape Flagstaff into the unique and multifaceted town it is today.

Long-Lasting Legacy

The collaboration between the Riordans and Lowell left a lasting legacy in Flagstaff. The Lowell Observatory remains one of the most important astronomical research centers in the world, and it continues to attract visitors and scientists. Meanwhile, the Riordan family’s contributions are preserved through the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, which stands as a testament to their impact on the local economy and community.

Together, the Riordans and Percival Lowell represent two sides of Flagstaff’s development: the Riordans’ focus on industry, infrastructure, and community-building, and Lowell’s focus on scientific exploration and education. Their combined efforts helped elevate Flagstaff’s status and ensure its place in both the history of astronomy and the broader history of the American West.

The Riordan Babbit Relationship

The relationship between the Riordan family and the Babbitt family in Flagstaff, Arizona, was one of close business, political, and personal connections. Both families were among the most influential pioneers in the region, and their enterprises helped shape the economic and social landscape of northern Arizona in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pioneers and Business Leaders in Flagstaff

Both the Riordan and Babbitt families moved to Flagstaff in the 1880s & became deeply involved in the development of the local economy. Their ventures spanned multiple industries and had lasting impacts on the town and surrounding area.

The Riordan family, led by brothers Timothy and Michael Riordan, founded the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company. The lumber industry was vital to the growth of Flagstaff, as it supported the construction of railroads and buildings, driving regional economic expansion.

The Babbitt family, originally from Cincinnati, arrived in Flagstaff in 1886 when five brothers—Charles, George, Edward, William, and David Babbitt—began acquiring ranches and cattle operations. They eventually established the Babbitt Brothers Trading Company, which became a major force in ranching, cattle trading, and retail throughout northern Arizona. The Babbitt family was known for its extensive land holdings & involvement in developing Arizona’s agricultural as well as livestock industries.

Economic and Political Ties

As two of Flagstaff’s most prominent families, the Riordans and the Babbitts were frequently involved in joint ventures and shared business interests that shaped the town’s growth.

The Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, owned by the Riordans, provided essential resources for the railroad expansion, which was also important for the Babbitt family’s ranching business, as the railroads enabled the transportation of cattle and goods to broader markets. The success of both the lumber and cattle industries was interdependent, and the families worked together to develop Flagstaff.

Both families were also deeply involved in local politics and civic life. The Riordans and Babbitts were known for their efforts to build infrastructure and institutions in Flagstaff, including schools, churches, and hospitals. They were committed to the town’s future and worked to improve the quality of life for residents.

The families held significant political influence in Flagstaff and Arizona. The Babbitt family, in particular, became prominent in state politics. Bruce Babbitt, a member of the Babbitt family, later served as Attorney General of Arizona from 1975 to 1978, Governor of Arizona from 1978 to 1987, as well as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 1993 to 2001. The Riordans were also influential, especially in civic matters, contributing to the local infrastructure and economic development.

Social Ties

Beyond their business and political ties, the Riordan and Babbitt families shared close personal and social ties. As two leading families in a relatively small town, they frequently worked together in social settings, community events, and charitable endeavors. Their status as Flagstaff’s elite families meant that they were connected through community leadership and shared values regarding the growth of the town.

Contributions to Flagstaff’s Development

Together, the Riordans and Babbitts played a crucial role in the transformation of Flagstaff from a small frontier settlement into a prosperous town. Their combined influence in the lumber, cattle, and political sectors drove much of the early economic development in northern Arizona. The businesses they founded and the policies they supported laid the foundation for the region’s growth.

Legacy in Flagstaff

Today, both families’ legacies are still visible in Flagstaff. The Riordan Mansion, which is now a state historic park, showcases the Riordan’s contribution to the lumber industry and community life. The Babbitt family remains known for its ranching heritage and contributions to Arizona’s economy and politics. Both families are regarded as pivotal figures in Flagstaff’s history, and their names continue to be associated with the town’s founding and development.

For those interested in exploring this remarkable piece of history, Riordan Mansion is located at 409 West Riordan Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The park is open year-round, with guided tours available to the public. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Flagstaff’s heritage, a visit to the Riordan Mansion is sure to be a rewarding experience.

Plan Your Visit:

Address: 409 West Riordan Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Hours of Operation: Year-round (check the Arizona State Parks website at https://azstateparks.com/riordan-mansion/)
Admission: Guided tours available (reservations recommended during peak seasons by calling (928) 779-4395)

The Riordans – A Flagstaff Arizona Legacy