How a high-stakes poker game gave an Arizona city its unusual name
In short: Legend says the city of Show Low was born from a marathon poker game between two ranch partners. Faced with a stalemate over their 100,000-acre property, they agreed to settle the matter with a single hand. The winner would take the land, and the loser would leave forever.
The story goes that partners Corydon E. Cooley and Marion Clark found their ranch too small for both of them. To resolve the dispute, they played a game of Seven Up. With the game dragging on, Clark reportedly challenged Cooley by saying, If you can show low, you win. Cooley responded by turning up the deuce of clubs, the lowest card in the deck, and declaring, Show low it is. Today, the city of Show Low, located on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona, honors this folklore with its main street, which is named Deuce of Clubs.
Established in 1870 and incorporated in 1953, Show Low sits at an elevation of 6,345 feet. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, though it is unique for its region because it receives its peak rainfall during the summer months due to the North American Monsoon. Despite its high-altitude setting, the area is prone to dramatic temperature swings; in the summer, temperatures can drop by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit after sunset. The city has seen extreme weather, ranging from a record high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to a record low of -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The city has faced significant challenges, most notably in 2002 when the Rodeo–Chediski Fire threatened the community. Residents were forced to evacuate as the blaze approached, but the fire was ultimately extinguished less than half a mile from the city border, leaving Show Low spared. Today, the city serves as a popular recreational hub near extensive forests, with a population of 11,732 as of the 2020 census. It remains a distinct mountain community, balancing its colorful history with its role as a regional center for education and transport.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Show Low, Arizona
- Also: Wikidata — Show Low · CC0
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