Museum featuring the reconstruction of Zane Grey’s cabin under the Mogollon Rim in Payson, Arizona.
A historic replica of Zane Grey’s cabin — lost in 1990 during the Dude Fire — was built in Green Valley Park in 2005 through the efforts of the non-profit Zane Grey Cabin Foundation. It was officially turned over to the Northern Gila County Historical Society on Saturday October 15, 2005.
In 1921, Zane Grey bought three acres of land under the Mogollon Rim and had the cabin contructed. He used the cabin as a retreat and writing space until 1929, after which the cabin slowly fell into disrepair. In the 1960’s, Phoenix businessman William Goettl bought the structure and hired Richard Haught, a descendant of the original builder, to restore it. In 1972, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and by 1989 it was attracting an average of 20,000 visitors a year.
After the Dude Fire of 1990 destroyed the cabin, the Zane Grey Cabin Foundation was formed to raise funds and rebuild the cabin. It now stands in Green Valley Park, next to the Rim Country Museum. The cabin’s main room contains a replica of his writing chair, a small cot, table, bear rug, Grey’s saddle, and assorted cowboy boots and hats.