The Charming Small Town In Arizona That Was Home To Sandra Day O'Connor Once Upon A Time
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on April 09, 2024(Originally published August 15, 2022)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Did you know there were a lot of famous people from Arizona? From actors to political figures, the list goes on and on. We aren’t surprised – Arizonans are a special bunch, after all. One famous person who grew up in the Grand Canyon State is Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court and quite a famous person in Arizona history. She lived in the tiny town of Duncan. The Duncan, Arizona population is fewer than 1,000 people, yet it’s as charming as can be, brimming with shops, restaurants, and inns situated along a quiet main street.
Sandra Day O'Connor, an Arizona famous person and the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, was born in El Paso, Texas in March of 1930.
Although O'Connor was born in Texas, much of her early life was spent on a nearly 200,000-acre cattle ranch in the small town of Duncan, located along the Gila River just five miles from the Arizona-New Mexico border. Her home did not have power or running water until she was seven, and her bus ride to school lasted 32 miles.
With a population of just under 700 (per the 2010 census - that figure was likely much lower when O'Connor lived there) Duncan is a sleepy little valley town surrounded by rugged desert terrain, including a series of towering mountains whose peaks threaten to pierce the clouds.
Duncan is one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it towns with only a few stoplights and one major street on which most of the businesses are situated. Many of the homes - such as O'Connor's, which was nine miles away from the nearest paved road - are nestled outside of the town's main drag, however.
Today, Duncan is just as charming as it always has been. When you first arrive, we recommend stopping by the Visitor Center in Country Chic Art Gallery and Crafters Boutique to get a lay of the land.
After meeting some of the locals and doing a little shopping, both at the boutique and in some of the nearby stores, head over to Humble Pie for some delicious pizza.
With a hearty meal in your belly, take some time to explore the beautiful landscape. The Duncan area is home to several scenic drives, and it's also a premier birding and wildlife viewing destination. Afterwards, head to the historic Simpson Hotel for a good night's rest.
This century-old inn is artsy and eclectic, full of antique furnishings, old books, and lush outdoor gardens. It's a portal back to yesteryear, and you'll never forget your stay.
Visit the Town of Duncan website for more information about the town that was once home to Sandra Day O’Connor, a famous person in Arizona history.
Do you know of a famous person born in Arizona? Have you ever been to Duncan? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article about one of the largest telescopes in the world that’s located nearby! You can also show off your state pride with some clothing and accessories from our friends at Wear Your Roots!
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