Taylor lies in a broad valley in east-central Arizona. The Mogollon Rim is to it’s west and the White Mountains to the south. The Town’s elevation is 5,640 feet. The mountains form an almost continuous barrier protecting Taylor from severe winters and creating a semi-arid climate. Taylor was settled by James Pearce and named after John Taylor, 3rd President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The town was established in 1881 and incorporated in 1966.
Taylor Town Logo: Drum & Anvil- The logo represents two family town traditions. The Standiford family tradition “Firing of the Anvil” every 4th of July at 4:00 a.m. with a loud bang! Followed by a serenade of patriotic music from the Jennings Band. Awakening call goes on throughout the town. This unique tradition began with the Taylor Pioneers and was revived in 1953, and draws people home throughout the U.S.A.
Jennings Drum- The historical drum constructed by Major Edward Duzette was made of cowhide, birch & hickory. The Drum was used in the Nauvoo Legion Band in the 1830′s. It was hauled across the plains on the back of Brigham Young’s carriage with the first company of Mormon Pioneers in 1847. It was later given to Cyrus Jennings, hence it is known as the Jennings drum.
The Anvil- The heavy duty anvil was used by the Mormon Battalion in 1847. Then it was brought to Taylor by Joseph S. Hancock in the late 1800′s to be used in his blacksmith shop. Taylor’s forefathers in the late 19th century came up with this substitution for the cannon & fireworks.