Sedona was one of Arizona’s best kept secrets until the 1950’s. After several Hollywood westerns were shot there, including Johnny Guitar and Broken Arrow, the world finally knew about the beauty of wonderous Sedona.

Dorsey Elsworth Schnebly was one of the original settlers among the beautiful red rocks on Oak Creek, about 25 miles south of Flagstaff. In October, 1901, he came from Missouri to Jerome, not to mine but to farm, but instead settled in the area about 30 miles north of Jerome. Shortly afterward, his brother, T. Carleton Schnebly and T.C.’s wife, Sedona, arrived at the farm with the couple’s two children. The Schnebly home beside Oak Creek became a favorite way station for travelers. The family called for a Post Office, proposing the name Oak Creek Canyon Station, but postal authorities thought that name was too long. Upon hearing this, Dorsey turned to his sister-in-law and asked, “What do you think we should call it, Sedona?” Before she could respond, he had his answer.

Four local men founded the Cowboy Artists of America organization at the Oak Creek Tavern in downtown Sedona in 1965. A recent cowboy art show in Phoenix drew 2,000 viewers and grossed over $1.75 million.