[Source: The Wickenburg Sun] -- Wickenburg has once again made the top 10 list of True West magazine’s “True Western Towns.” Wickenburg was the only town in Arizona awarded this honor. There are thousands of towns throughout the West — many of which do an excellent job of maintaining and celebrating their heritage and history, according to True West, but some truly stand out. For the third year, True West honors the 10 True Western Towns in its January/February 2008 issue, on newsstands Jan. 15. They are:10. San Diego, Calif.
9. Casper, Wyo.
8. Wickenburg, Ariz.
7. Pendleton, Ore.
6. Durango, Colo.
5. Dodge City, Kan.
4. Cheyenne, Wyo.
3. Trinidad, Colo.
2. Deadwood, S.D.
1. St. Joseph, Mo.
True West editors determined the winners based on a number of criteria — especially how each town has preserved its history through older buildings and districts, museums and other institutions, and events. The Top 10 also take the lead in promoting their historic resources to visitors. Last year’s Top Town was Helper, Utah. “This is a remarkable group of towns,” said True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “Their residents have taken it upon themselves to keep the real West alive for now and posterity. They not only celebrate their past — they live it.” The feature also includes a list of “Towns to Watch” for their good works in historic preservation, and several legendary Old West locales that folks should know. True West magazine is in its 55th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture, and preservation.
