The main entrance and parking lot are located at 409 W Riordan Rd., two blocks east of Milton Rd. next to the NAU parking garage.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: Murder & Mystery, Myth & History: The 1887 Little Johnny Elden Story
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
May 12, 2025 12:15 p.m.
The best-known and perhaps most-visited gravesite in northern Arizona belongs to little Johnny Elden, Jr. His murder in 1887 remains one of the most infamous in Arizona
Territorial history. Today, Johnny rests alone in a rock-covered forest grave at the base of the Flagstaff mountain named for his father and family. Johnny was just six years old when he was shot and killed by itinerant mule skinner Bob Roberts in a dispute over water. The murder has haunted Flagstaff for well over a century, nurtured by many articles in the local newspaper. The ghastly crime weighs heavily on gravesite visitors at the base of Elden Mountain where they often leave small toys and plastic flowers next to the gas-pipe cross that rests in concrete on top of the grave of stones. This presentation will look at the story of Flagstaff pioneer John Elden, the violence and prosperity that rolled in with the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in 1882, the horrible shooting of Elden’s young son Johnny, and the contribution of myth to history.
Space is limited. Reserve your spot online at https://azstateparks.com/
Johnny Elden painting photo credit: Artist Catherine Sickafoose
MORE EVENTS
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April 13, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: The Ones Who Were Hired
Enjoy a a specialized tour that highlights the individuals who worked for the Riordans. We will discuss not only the employees that made the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company so successful, but also the domestics that worked in the house. Hear their stories about their experiences and how they contributed to the community of Flagstaff.
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April 14, 2025
Lunchtime Lecture: "Dock Marston: The Colorado River Historian" with Tom Martin
Join local author and historian Tom Martin as he presents on his new book, Dock Marston: Grand Canyon’s Colorado River Running Historian, Vol 1.
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Sundays, May 11 | June 8 | July 13, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Historic Milton Walking Tour
A 90-minute guided walk from Riordan Mansion to explore the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company property and the town site of Milton.
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May 16th & 17th
Riordan Masion Whisky Tasting at Tim’s Table
Whisky Tasting at Tim’s Table
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Saturday, May 17, 2025
Celebrating Radio: Parks on the Air
The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will be onsite with radios and antennas, participating in a Parks on the Air event with local amateur radio operators contacting stations from near and far, from local, to state, and worldwide.
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August 10, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Art and Architecture
Riordan Mansion and art have gone hand in hand since the mansion was created in 1904; through artwork that decorates the interior and the structure of the house itself. This specialty tour examines the Riordans’ art collection and the Arts and Crafts Movement which inspired the design for the Riordans’ home.
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Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Stickley Room by Room
In celebration of Gustav Stickley’s birthday, join us for a tour focused on the Stickley furniture and the Arts and Crafts Style. Reservations required.
