Exploring the Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona, amidst towering Ponderosa pines and just steps away from Northern Arizona University, the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park stands as a testament to Capitalism and Ambition of the early 20th century. This sprawling 13,000-square-foot duplex, built in 1904, is not just an architectural marvel but a living time capsule that tells the story of the Riordan family, their contributions to Flagstaff’s growth, and the Arts and Crafts movement that shaped their home. If you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply curious about Arizona’s territorial past, a visit to Riordan Mansion is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Northern Arizona’s heritage.
Nestled in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona, amidst towering Ponderosa pines and just steps away from Northern Arizona University, the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park stands as a testament to Capitalism and Ambition of the early 20th century. This sprawling 13,000-square-foot duplex, built in 1904, is not just an architectural marvel but a living time capsule that tells the story of the Riordan family, their contributions to Flagstaff’s growth, and the Arts and Crafts movement that shaped their home. If you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply curious about Arizona’s territorial past, a visit to Riordan Mansion is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Northern Arizona’s heritage.
The Riordan family story begins with brothers Timothy and Michael Riordan, sons of Irish immigrants who settled in Chicago before making their way to the Arizona Territory in the 1880s. The Riordans were not just businessmen; they were visionaries who played a pivotal role in transforming Flagstaff from a gritty railroad outpost into a thriving industrial and cultural hub. Their fortunes were built on the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company, a powerhouse that employed a significant portion of the town’s residents and fueled Flagstaff’s economic growth. Beyond lumber, the Riordans were instrumental in bringing electricity to the city, establishing Upper and Lower Lake Mary, named after their daughter, Mary, and supporting the development of educational institutions like the Normal School, which evolved into Northern Arizona University. Their influence extended to banking, railroads, cattle, and even local politics, cementing their status as one of Flagstaff’s most prominent families.
Timothy and Michael married sisters Caroline and Elizabeth Metz, respectively, who were cousins of another influential Flagstaff family, the Babbitts. This close-knit family dynamic is reflected in the unique design of the mansion, which was constructed as a duplex to house both families under one roof while maintaining separate living spaces. The Riordans’ legacy is deeply woven into Flagstaff’s fabric, and their home remains a tangible link to their contributions.
Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the architect behind the iconic El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon, Riordan Mansion is a stunning example of American Arts and Crafts-style architecture. Completed in just nine months between 1903 and 1904, the mansion features a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape of Flagstaff’s cool pines. The 40-room estate, spanning over 13,000 square feet, includes two nearly identical 6,000-square-foot wings—one for Timothy and Caroline’s family and one for Michael and Elizabeth’s—connected by a shared “Rendezvous Room” where the families could gather.
The mansion was a marvel of modern technology for its time, boasting indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, central heating, and electric lights—luxuries that were rare in territorial Arizona. The Arts and Crafts philosophy, which emphasized craftsmanship, natural materials, and simplicity, is evident throughout the home. The interior is adorned with built-in furniture, exposed wooden beams, and native stone, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the movement’s celebration of nature and authenticity.
One of the mansion’s most striking features is the set of photographic windows in the Rendezvous Room. These windows, created by photographer John K. Hillers, who accompanied John Wesley Powell on his Grand Canyon expeditions, feature seven black-and-white images set against frosted glass. The photographs, a nod to the Riordans’ connection to the region’s exploration history, add a unique artistic touch to the home’s rustic charm.
To fully experience Riordan Mansion, a guided tour is a must. The interior is accessible only through these hour-long tours, which are offered daily on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with reservations highly recommended due to limited capacity. The tour begins in the East House, Timothy and Caroline’s residence, which is furnished as if the family just stepped out, preserving the authenticity of the early 1900s. Visitors are treated to an in-depth look at the Riordan family’s history, the mansion’s architectural details, and its exceptional collection of Craftsman furnishings from renowned makers like Edison, Stickley, Ellis, and Steinway. The tour concludes in the West House, Michael and Elizabeth’s home, where self-guided exhibits delve into the Arts and Crafts movement, Native American pottery, the lumber industry, and a model of historic Flagstaff.
Located at 409 W. Riordan Road, Riordan Mansion is easily accessible, though visitors should note ongoing road construction on Riordan Road through June 20, 2025. The Arizona State Parks website recommends approaching from the east via Northern Arizona University, with the main entrance just west of the Riordan Road and Knoles Drive intersection. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the summer (May 1–October 31), with reduced hours (10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from November 1 to April 30. The park is closed on Christmas Day.
The visitor center, housed in the former family garage, offers introductory exhibits and a gift shop stocked with books on the Arts and Crafts movement, Flagstaff history, and period-style souvenirs. The grounds, which span five acres, are free to explore and include picnic tables and scenic spots perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
The Riordan Mansion remained in the family until the 1980s, when descendants donated it to Arizona State Parks. Bob Chambers, Timothy’s son-in-law, gifted the East House in 1981, and Blanche, Michael’s eldest daughter, donated the West House in 1985. The park faced closure in 2010 due to state budget cuts, but the Riordan Action Network Group, a dedicated team of volunteers, ensured its survival through fundraising and community support. Today, volunteers continue to play a vital role in maintaining the mansion and offering educational tours, preserving this historic treasure for future generations.
Riordan Mansion is more than just a house; it’s a window into Flagstaff’s evolution from a territorial logging town to a vibrant modern city. The mansion’s architectural beauty, combined with the compelling story of the Riordan family, offers a rich and immersive experience. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate details of Arts and Crafts design, the history of Flagstaff’s pioneer families, or the chance to step back in time, Riordan Mansion delivers. Its proximity to other Flagstaff attractions, like Lowell Observatory, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the historic Route 66 downtown, makes it an ideal stop on any Northern Arizona itinerary.
Deana and I had an absolutely amazing time exploring the stunning mansion. Our tour guide turned out to be truly exceptional! She not only answered our questions along the way but also captivated us with interesting facts as we made our way through the beautifully furnished East and West Wings of the mansion. I learned so much about the rich history of Northern Arizona and how this large family of first-generation Irish-Americans played a pivotal role in bringing civilization and culture to the unique landscape of Northern Arizona.
Living as the Wife of a Blind Photographer
It was April 22, 2023 when I married my best friend and the love of my life. The man who was blind in his left eye told me that one day he would be completely blind, but I did not mind, for I knew he loved me for me and would do anything to care for me and keep me safe. I even knew that he was losing the hearing in his right ear, and that would progress as well due to the illness called septo-optic dysplasia. I knew that my future as a wife would be different than the future of most wives, even with my own diagnosis of dry macular degeneration. But I didn’t fully understand how soon everything would start to change. After all, who can truly understand their future until they’re living in it?
We immensely enjoyed our honeymoon, taking photographs of beautiful Ireland with b&w film cameras and iPhones. I may have stolen his Pentax K1000 while we were in the Emerald Isle, but I also loved using my Olympus Trip 35 and Canon AE1 Program to photograph the awesomeness that is the home of some of our ancestors. I often photographed my new husband taking photographs because he is in a different world when he is behind a camera. He sees beauty where others do not, and captures it in a way that only the resultant photographs can explain. One of my favorite photographs is of him, stepping away from having just captured Belfast’s city hall building, with a smile only seen when he is in his element. I worry not because he has a smile reserved for me, one that lights up my days and warms my nights. But the smile he reserves for when he feels he got the best possible shot is completely different; unaltered joy with a hint of mischief. It’s like he knows a secret that only he will ever know.
January 23rd of 2024 rolls around and we visit a local eye doctor, one to whom a good friend had referred me. It was probably the most important eye exam of our lives, as it changed so much. I learned more about the macular degeneration from which I suffer and my husband, well, his world changed upside down. His eyesight was worse than I thought — he had been hiding how bad it was getting, but I think he was hiding it from himself as well. He was told to stop driving due to his very limited peripheral vision. And I also don’t think he knows how badly he missed so many of the letters he read on his eye exam. The E’s and N’s and P’s and O’s were so different than how he had perceived them. So we left the exams with prescriptions for new eyeglasses and a hurt in our hearts for my husband’s need to give up driving and what that meant for his career. I was strong that day, only to cry in secret knowing that one day my husband’s use of the camera would be over; he would no longer see the beauty in the world that people often overlook. And I, well, I would need to continue with biannual eye exams to track the progress of my vision. I couldn’t even think of that, however, as I knew I one day would be married to a blind photographer.
Prior to our eye exams, my husband had been talking about pinhole photography and mentioned to me how he would love to use a pinhole camera. He even showed me one he would like, not knowing that I would purchase it for him as an early Valentine’s Day gift. I wanted to ensure he had access to such a camera while he could use it — the purchase was important, yet tearful. Needless to say, he loved the gift and proceeded to use the new capturer of beauty immediately. But the truth remained that his eyesight would continue to fail, and it has.
Due to my increasing struggle with allergies and disdain for humidity, he suggested leaving South Carolina and moving back to my home state of Arizona — to Northern Arizona in particular. Neither of us wanted to endure the summers in Phoenix metro, after all. So we made the trek across the US, several days stuck in a little, red Subaru with three dogs in the back seat. It was like traveling with three toddlers that were only welcome at specific Airbnb’s — if you know, you know. But we had a blast because we were able to take some time and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these places I knew so well through his lone-functioning eye. The photographs we took are memories I will cherish always. He got to meet some of my cousins in Oklahoma, while we stayed a few extra days there for the fourth of July. It gave me a wonderful break from the drive, as there is only ever one driver in our family now. Then we ventured onward with him visualizing the southwest for the first time, shocked by its awesomeness. His excitement was heartwarming. I got to share some of my favorite places with my love.
Today we are living in Payson, Arizona and we get out to see something new in the state every chance we get. I need to share so many places with him before he can no longer see them. It hurts my heart beyond belief that one day he will not be able to see the majesty of this world. However, his positive attitude and desire to live everyday to its fullest, taking photographs wherever he goes, is inspiring. I cannot imagine living with his diagnosis, but, then again, I am in denial of the suffering that may lay in the future in regards to my eyes. Macular degeneration is no joke. But today I see more clearly than ever, knowing that time on this earth is limited; we never know when we will not be able to see the wonder of God’s creation any longer. He and I will make the best of this situation, taking photographs as much as possible, until we are completely unable to engage in his favorite activity. I will do my best to be the supportive wife while he purchases cameras, fixed them, uses them, and sells some of them only to start the process again. And, hopefully, he will inspire others to see through the lens of a film camera, while I hope to inspire people to take those memories, print them and put them into scrapbooks to be enjoyed later.
by Deana Davis, wife of the blind photographer.