Heber Arizona
Heber is located in Navajo County, northeastern Arizona. The area with an elevation of 6,435 feet is situated in the Sitgreaves National Forest north of the Mogollan Rim. The community can be reached by taking state Highway 87 to Payson which is north from Phoenix or south from Interstate 40, then continue east via state Highway 260.
The Little Colorado settlements were established in 1876 and 1877 during the Mormon migration. Heber was founded by James E. Shelley and Sanford Porter in 1883, which was then named after Heber J. Grant who was the President and prominent member of the Mormon Church. Though according to a second source, the name was taken from Heber C. Kimball who was the Chief Justice of the State of Deseret during that time. James E. Shelley founded the post-office in Heber in 1890.
Heber has a total population of 2,722 as of 2000 U.S. Census. The town has varied economic activities but mainly focused on retirement and tourism. Recreational activities and scenic interests are provided because of the area’s proximity to Sitgreaves National Forest.
