Fake Frozen Town Clock.

Fake Town Clock

In 1891 Pinal County, known for its ranches and silver mines, wanted to project an image of civilization and prosperity. So it had an ornate brick courthouse built -- too elaborate, as it turned out. The cost was more than the county could afford, so to save money the courthouse tower was outfitted with four fake clock faces, stamped out of metal, and all set to 11:44.

In 1952 the Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted to tear down the nonfunctional clocks. Local residents, comfortable with it always being 11:44 in Florence, saved the tower.

The courthouse was completely restored in 2012 at a cost of $6 million -- nearly 20 times what it cost to build it -- but there still wasn't enough money to install a real clock.

Fake Town Clock

Address:: 31 N. Pinal St., Florence, AZ
Directions:: 12th St. and N. Pinal St.
Hours:: Lit at night. Local health policies may affect hours and access.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Pyramid Tomb of the Father of Arizona, Florence, AZ - 2 mi.

Casa Grande Ruins, Coolidge, AZ - 9 mi.

Pork Shop Propane Tank Pig, Queen Creek, AZ - 15 mi.

In the region:

Barry Goldwater Memorial, Paradise Valley, AZ - 49 mi.

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