Many locations around Arizona claim a connection to John Wayne.
Hollywood’s brightest stars came to Arizona for work or to escape the spotlight. But for Wayne, who made around a dozen films in the state, it became his home away from California.
Here’s a look at just a few of the places “the Duke” stayed or visited.
Hacienda Corona near Nogales
After becoming business partners and best friends with a local man who owned a ranch for 50 years, Wayne became a regular visitor to the area.
Ralph Winfield first met the actor when he loaned some of his cattle for the movie Red River.
Eagar, Arizona
Wayne co-owned a 26-bar ranch in the White Mountains.
John Wayne Days are still celebrated in Eager
Patagonia, Arizona
The Stage Stop Inn was actually built, in part, to accommodate cast and crew filming in the area.
In 1960, Ann Stradling, an heiress from New Jersey, built an extraordinarily large hotel in the town of 800 people.
Stradling was friends with Wayne and his picture is still proudly displayed.
Tucson, Arizona
At the historic Fox Theater, Wayne had the best set in the house – a love seat in the balcony.
The theater was originally built in 1930.
The Duke had a golden ticket to Arizona!