Welcome to the Prescott Area Celtic Society (PACS) and Prescott Highland Games (PHG) websites. I hope you find the site useful and informational. Please notify us if there is something we need to correct or add to the site.

Our organization, a 501(c) 3, exists in order to promote cultural pride in Celtic heritage through education, special events and the annual Prescott Highland Games. It is a love of all things Celtic which drives our organization.

As you may know, the Celtic people groups have played a significant historical role in the state of Arizona. The Welsh were instrumental in the mining industry in Bisbee and the surrounding area. The Arizona Copper Company at Clifton was owned by a Scottish company. Hugh O'Conner, an Irishman, was the founder of what is now known as Tucson and the first known residence of Scottsdale was a Scot named George Washington Scott. Richard C. McCormick, whose mother was from Ireland, was appointed by President Lincoln to be the first Secretary of the Arizona Territory in 1863. The list goes on and on.

Interestingly enough, the Scots often intermarried with Native Americans and their offspring became known as Scoto-Indians. Archie McIntosh, a Scoto-Indian of Scottish and Chippewa ancestry, became General George Crook’s favorite scout and was present at Crook’s famous meeting with Geronimo. Many of the miners, prospectors and cattlemen of the Arizona Territory intermarried and helped establish the great state of Arizona. These forgotten men and women of mixed cultural background played a significant part in our state’s history.

It is because of the rich history of Celts in the state of Arizona and our love of all things Celtic that we at the Prescott Area Celtic Society exist as a group. It is our hope that you will join us in this endeavor. Please feel free to contact us regarding participation, sponsorship, membership and/or friendship. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming meeting or event here in the “highlands” of central Arizona! Slainte!

Respectfully,

Jason Temple

President Prescott Area Celtic Society