View source for Heber–Overgaard, Arizona

{{Short description|CDP in Navajo County, Arizona}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Heber–Overgaard, Arizona
|settlement_type          = [[Census-designated place|CDP]]
|motto                    = "Always In Season"
|image_skyline            = Heber-OvergaardAZ.jpg
|imagesize                =
|image_caption            = Heber–Overgaard as viewed from SR260 at mile post 307.
|image_seal               =
|image_map                = Navajo_County_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Heber-Overgaard_highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location in [[Navajo County]] and the state of [[Arizona]]
|image_map1               =
|mapsize1                 =
|map_caption1             =
|pushpin_map              = USA Arizona#USA#North America
|pushpin_map_caption      = Location in [[Arizona]]##Location in United States##Location in North America
|pushpin_relief           = yes
|coordinates              = {{coord|34|24|47|N|110|33|52|W|region:US-AZ|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates_footnotes    =
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = {{flagu|United States}}
|subdivision_type1        = State
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Arizona}}
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Arizona|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Navajo County, Arizona|Navajo]]
|established_title        = [[Settled]]
|established_date         = 1883
|established_title2       = Established
|established_date2        = 1890
|government_type          = [[Census-designated place|Unincorporated]]
|governing_body           = Navajo County Board of Supervisors
|leader_title             =
|leader_name              =
|area_footnotes      = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_04.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           =
|area_total_km2           = 17.77
|area_total_sq_mi         = 6.86
|area_land_km2            = 17.77
|area_land_sq_mi          = 6.86
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|unit_pref                = Imperial
<!-- or UK or Metric -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 6,627
|elevation_m              = 
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     =
|population_total         = 2898<ref name="Census2020">{{cite web|title=Heber-Overgaard CDP, Arizona|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0432310|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=December 18, 2021}}</ref>
|population_metro         =
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est =
|population_density_km2   = 1094.14
|population_density_sq_mi = 422.45
|population_demonyms       = Heberite, Overgaardian
|timezone                 = [[Mountain Standard Time Zone|MST]] (no [[Daylight saving time|DST]])
|utc_offset               = −7
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code              = 85928, 85933
|area_code                = [[Area code 928|928]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = {{FIPS|04|32310}}
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] ID(s)
|blank1_info              = 2408368<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2408368}}</ref>
|blank_name_sec2          = Major airport
|blank_info_sec2          = Mogollon Airpark
|blank1_name_sec2 = [[List of state routes in Arizona|State Routes]]
|blank1_info_sec2 = [[File:Arizona 260.svg|26px|link=Arizona State Route 260]] [[File:Arizona 277.svg|26px|link=Arizona State Route 277]] [[File:Arizona 377.svg|26px|link=Arizona State Route 377]]
|website                  = {{URL|https://heberovergaard.org/}}
}}

'''Heber–Overgaard''' is a [[census-designated place]] (CDP) in [[Navajo County, Arizona|Navajo County]], [[Arizona]], United States. Situated atop the [[Mogollon Rim]], the community lies at an elevation of {{convert|6,627|ft|m}}.<ref name=GNIS>{{Cite GNIS|2408368|Feature Detail Report for: Heber}}</ref> The population was 2,898<ref name="Census2020"/> at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. Heber and Overgaard are technically two unincorporated communities, but as of the [[1990 United States census|1990 census]], their  proximity  led to the merged name of "Heber–Overgaard".

Heber was settled in 1883, by members of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church), and the town is named after either [[Heber J. Grant]] or [[Heber C. Kimball]], both prominent members of the LDS church.<ref name = Granger>{{cite book | title = Arizona's names : X marks the place | author = Granger, Byrd H.| year = 1983 | publisher = Falconer Pub. Co. | isbn = 0918080185 }}</ref> Overgaard, adjoining Heber, was settled ca. 1936 and was named after the owner of the first sawmill, Kristen Kristensen (Chris) Overgaard.<ref name= lazylresort.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.lazylresort.com/history.html | title = Heber-Overgaard History | year = 2014 | author = lazylresort.com | publisher =  | access-date = June 28, 2014 | archive-date = August 21, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180821014659/http://lazylresort.com/history.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>

Heber–Overgaard's early economy was founded on [[dry farming]] and [[ranching]] while [[tourism]], [[retirement]] and [[lumber|timbering]] are the basis for present day industry.

==History==

===Founding===
[[File:BlackCanyonHeberArizona.jpg|thumb|left|Black Canyon]]
In March 1873, [[Mormon]] [[American pioneer|pioneers]] from [[Utah]] were sent to the [[Little Colorado River]] area under the direction of Horton D. Height. In 1876, a large group of these settlers established four settlements on the Little Colorado River, which they named [[Brigham City, Arizona|Brigham City]], [[Sunset, Arizona|Sunset]], [[Obed, Arizona|Obed]] and Allen's Camp ([[Joseph City, Arizona|Joseph City]]).<ref>{{Citation |last = Peterson |first= Charles S. |year= 1992 |contribution= Arizona, Pioneer Settlements in |contribution-url= http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/5484 |editor-last= Ludlow |editor-first= Daniel H. |editor-link= Daniel H. Ludlow |title= [[Encyclopedia of Mormonism]] |location= New York |publisher= [[Macmillan Publishers (United States)|Macmillan]] |pages= 66–67 |isbn= 0-02-904040-X |oclc = 24502140 }}.</ref> In Allen's Camp, a dam had been built on the Little Colorado River in April, but high waters in July washed it out. By August, many settlers had returned to Utah. Eight married couples and six single men were all that remained in Allen's Camp. By 1882, the Obed settlement had collapsed and both Brigham City and Sunset were near collapse due to several years of drought. At this time, John Bushman, of Allen's Camp, was sent by [[Lot Smith]], then president of the Little Colorado [[Stake (Latter Day Saints)|Stake]], to scout the forests to the south in anticipation of relocation. [[Dry farming]] in the forested mountains was thought to be easier due to higher rain fall, lush grasses, and plentiful timber.<ref name = Hanchett>{{cite book | title = The Crooked Trail to Holbrook | author =  Hanchett, Jr. Leland J.| year = 1993 | publisher = Pine Rim Pub | isbn = 0963778501 }}</ref>

On December 6, 1882, Bushman set out for the forest with five brethren: W.C. Allen; J.H. Richards; J.C. Hansen; H. Tanner; and J.E. Shelley. Upon arrival they began digging wells in search of water. These men were later joined by Hans Nielson, Lehi Heward and John Scarlet. By April 13, 1883, two cabins had been built and grain planted, but only four families remained (Lehi Heward, John Scarlet, Hans Nielson, and James Shelley). John Bushman never settled in the area, but he and his family contributed time and encouragement to the local settlers. The first summer, houses were built, land cleared, and corrals constructed. Crops were planted not only for food, but also to barter for goods that could not be made at home. The growing season was four months long.<ref name = Hanchett />

In 1887, Lehi Heward abandoned the settlement and relocated to [[Pine, Arizona]]. He was urged to do so, because of the [[Pleasant Valley War]]. Buckskin Canyon, where he had settled, was named after the buckskin chaps his wife Elisabeth had made for him. John Scarlet was next to leave in 1888. His wife Lulu had become ill in June 1885. This may have contributed to his subsequent departure. In 1887, he was mentioned to have joined the posses of Joe McKiney's, under-sheriff for C.P. Owens. In 1889, Nathan, Alva, and Samuel Uriah Porter, arrived in Heber from St. Joseph (Joseph City). They grew crops of corn and potatoes between Heber and St. Joseph. The following year brought the Penrod and Sharp families from nearby [[Wilford, Arizona|Wilford]]. Samuel Porter would later describe the Penrods as anti-Mormon, and the Sharps as dishonest. In 1898, Hans Nielson abandoned his estate on the west bank of the Black Canyon where today's [[Arizona State Route 260|SR 260]] enters town. Childless, Hans Nielson had been the first presiding [[Elder (Latter Day Saints)|elder]] for what became the Heber branch of the Joseph City [[Ward (LDS Church)|Ward]]. James Shelley homesteaded land comprising the center of Heber and south down the Black Canyon. Of the original four pioneer families, starting out with four head of cattle, three daughters, and a few worldly possessions, James and Margaret Shelley were the only family to make Heber a long-term commitment.<ref name = Hanchett />

===Early Heber===
[[File:James and Margaret Shelley.jpg|thumb|left|James and Margaret Shelley]]
In 1882, [[Heber J. Grant]] was called as a member of the [[Quorum of the Twelve]]. Early on in his service in the quorum he made many trips to Arizona earning the title "The Arizona Apostle".<ref name="Walker 1992">{{Citation |last= Walker |first= Ronald W. |author-link= Ronald W. Walker |contribution= Heber J. Grant |contribution-url= http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/EoM/id/3740 |pages= 564–568 |editor1-last= Ludlow |editor1-first= Daniel H |editor1-link= Daniel H. Ludlow |title= [[Encyclopedia of Mormonism]] |location= New York |publisher= [[Macmillan Publishing]] |year= 1992 |isbn= 0-02-879602-0 |oclc= 24502140 }}</ref> On one such trip, he passed through the settlement on his way to Phoenix, and stayed with the Shelleys in their cabin.<ref name = Hunt>{{cite book | title = It is not often... | author = Hunt, Bobbie Stephens | year = 1993 | publisher = Pine Graphics | location = [[Overgaard, Arizona]] }}</ref> The townspeople latter named their settlement after Mr. Grant.<ref name = Granger /><ref name = Hunt />

An alternative version of Heber's namesake history is that John W. N. Scarlett named the settlement after [[Heber C. Kimball]], former Chief Justice of the [[State of Deseret]].<ref name = Granger /><ref name= geonames.usgs.gov>{{cite web | url = https://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=132:3:80765618733058::NO:3:P3_FID,P3_TITLE:29842%2CHeber | title = Feature Detail Report for: Heber | year = 1980 | author =  U.S. Department of the Interior | publisher = usgs.gov }}</ref>

The post office in Heber was established in 1890, and on September 11, 1890, James Shelley was appointed the first [[postmaster]] of Heber.<ref name = Hanchett /> Mail was brought by [[buckboard]] every Wednesday from [[Holbrook, Arizona|Holbrook]] to Heber.<ref name = Hunt /> It was then sorted and distributed. This duty was performed by James Shelley, in addition to being a farmer, cattleman, husband and father.<ref name = Hanchett />

Marion and Clarence Owens came to farm in Heber with their families in 1891. The following year, two practicing [[polygamists]] arrived from Utah to escape prosecution. One was called "Brother Luck". In 1893, Joseph Porter arrived in Heber to help his brother, Samuel Porter, with his farm. Also in 1893, John Nelson occupied a ranch in Brookbank Canyon, and the Baca family had settled near the head of Black Canyon. John Nelson and partner, Nicholas Valentine, were in the sheep business, and the Porters hauled their wool to the Holbrook railroad. Nicholas Valentin died four years later from a [[rabies]] bite acquired from a skunk.<ref name = Hanchett />

Many settlements were located in the fertile cattle [[ranching]] and farmlands of Black Canyon. Potatoes, corn, milk, eggs and large gardens were the livelihood of many families. Potato fields could be found down Buckskin Canyon, near the present day "Buckskin Artist Community". Cornfields and large gardens could be found where the present day [[Mogollon High School|High School]] ball fields and "Tenney's Trailer Park" are located.<ref name = Hunt /> All available land near town and in forests clearings was converted to farmland. Wilford, Jersey Gulch, Baca ranch and present day "Potato Patch" were favorite locations.<ref name = Hanchett />

During this time period, locals were said to be fearful of the [[Apache]] Native Americans. Food was said to be given to all natives, that passed through town, in order to "keep the peace".<ref name = Hunt /> At this time, travel to and from St. Joseph was sometimes perilous due to outlaws and quicksand.<ref name = Hanchett /> Horses were the primary mode of transportation, and horse thieves were a major problem.<ref name = Hunt />

On August 28, 1895, Joseph Porter and Mary Maude Shelley were married. Many locals with the surname of Porter, can trace their family roots to them. In 1896 Samuel, Alva and Nathan Porter divided up their farm. In addition to farming, Samuel Porter was often called upon to administer to the residents of Heber to alleviate pain and suffering by using prayer and [[Supplication|petitions]]. A drought affected the residents of Heber that Summer, followed by crop destroying hail storms in August. In January 1897, Wickliff Bushman, while delivering mail to Heber from Holbrook during a snow storm, contracted the [[measles]] and died at 23 years old. Three of Samuel Porter's children also contracted the disease, but survived. Margaret Shelley had twin boys that June, but only one son survived.<ref name = Hanchett />

[[File:John Hoyle.jpg|thumb|right|John Hoyle in front of first Heber store.]]
In 1891 John Hoyle, Johann Frederick Heil, an immigrant from [[Baden]], Germany, and former cook for the [[Hashknife Outfit]], opened the first Heber store. He was called "Hoyle" rather than "Heil" because some cowboys had trouble pronouncing his name. In addition to his store, he had a farm located down Buckskin Wash. John Hoyle had relocated to Heber from the failed [[Wilford, Arizona]] settlement, 7 miles south of Heber, where he had a store and ranch. Samuel Porter helped him on his farm, and hauled freight to and from Holbrook.<ref name = Hanchett /> He ran the store until his death on August 2, 1912, of paralysis (possibly [[polio]]). He had no heirs to claim the land in the United States. Through a German consulate, twenty-eight distant heirs were located and $3,046 was divided among them.<ref name = Hanchett />

May 1898 was so dry that water was hauled from wells in Wilford for household use. Heber wells still had enough for livestock. A small reservoir had been built below town, and filled up when water ran down the Black Canyon. A diversion dam was built to divert water from the wash to the ditch. When the rains finally came in July, the [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] celebration had cause for additional  celebration. Residents celebrated by firing guns, fire crackers, Pie Nie, and a dance that evening.<ref name = Hanchett /> Years later, The 4th of July would remain just as large a celebration in Heber. Alva Porter's Farm eventually became the [[rodeo]] grounds, where present day Mogollon High School sits. During celebrations, the community roped calves, rode bucking horses, held pistol shooting contests, foot races, and dances.<ref name = Hunt />

===20th century===
[[File:Mormon Church Heber.jpg|thumb|left|Heber's first LDS Church]]
Alva Porter was married to Charlotte Shelly, in 1899, and homesteaded just north of Heber in the Black Canyon. In 1901, Samuel Porter handed his farm over to his brother Alva, and departed from Heber. Porter's farm was located where today's Tenney trailer park, and the Mogollon ball fields stand.<ref name = Hanchett />

In 1904, severe drought caused hundreds of cattle belonging to the Aztec Land and Cattle Co. to die from thirst and hunger. During the spring, drinking water had to be hauled from 15 miles away. Many pioneers became disheartened and left the area. In late June, James Shelly and 2 sons desperately drove their cattle to "Blue Lake", found on the Apache [[Fort Apache Indian Reservation|reservation]]. They remained there until the rains came on July 20. Despite trespassing, the natives gave them no trouble.<ref name = Hanchett />

In 1912, after John Hoyle's death, Alva Porter purchased much of John Hoyle's merchandise and he and his brother-in-law Thomas Shelley started a new store close to John Hoyle's old one. Alva eventually sold his share to Thomas who ran the store with his wife, Eva Tanner, until 1957. The store would later become the "Heber Country Store" and later "IGA Supermarket".

In 1916, James, and Margaret Shelley returned to Joseph City, their final home. Three Shelley children: Sarah Ellen Shelley (husband Harvey Wimmer), Walter Shelley (wife Roxie Smith), and Eliza Marie Shelley (husband Loran Webb) joined them later. Two Shelley children: Amon Shelley (wife Elva Bigler), and John Edward Shelley (wife Fern Oliver), remained in Heber.<ref name = Hanchett />

Joseph Porter and Maude Shelley were granted a patent on John Hoyle's land in 1920. They homesteaded this land located in Buckskin Wash, just south of the Black Canyon. Thomas Shelly homesteaded south of Joseph Porter in Buckskin wash. Maude Shelley would later die in 1929.<ref name = Hanchett />

[[File:Heber loggers.jpg|thumb|right|Early day logging between Heber and Overgaard]]
By the 1930s, Heber had become a logging town. Horses were used to haul logs up until 1965. Logging and ranching were the predominant industries until the mid-90s, at which time the Mexican [[spotted owl]] injunction was put on the [[Sitgreaves National Forest]]. Bill Porter built the first [[sawmill]] in Heber just south of present-day HWY260 along the Black Canyon. This ran until 1935 when it burned down. In 1946 Lorin Donald (Donnie) Porter relocated his "Wagon Draw" sawmill to Heber. It ran until 1984 when a change of ownership was soon followed by bankruptcy.<ref name = Hunt />

In the year 1900, when Kristen Kristensen "Chris" Overgaard was 19 years old, he moved to the United States with the intention of earning his living in the lumber mill business. He was born March 23, 1881, the second son of a Danish family, in a little Danish town called Veddum, in Aalborg County, [[Denmark]]. After two or three years in Nebraska, he returned to Denmark where he became a carpenter. Before he left Denmark again in 1910, he owned a sawmill in Solbjerg, Aalborg County, Denmark. Before Chris Overgaard's time in Overgaard Camp (later Overgaard Village), Navajo County, Arizona, he lived in and owned a sawmill in Keystone, South Dakota. His first wife Jensine Kirstine Dehn died in October 1930. In 1931 he married Lilian Hansen, born in Lincoln Township, Johnson County, Nebraska January 17, 1904.<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com"/> In 1935 Chris Overgaard he broke up the sawmill in Keystone. From South Dakota, Chris Overgaard moved to Arizona in 1936, "lured by the lush stands of Ponderosa".<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com"/> Modular mill pieces were hauled by train to nearby Holbrook, and then transported by wagon to "Overgaard's stop".<ref name=seniorcenter.us /> Originally called "Oklahoma Flats", the town later changed its name in honor of Mr. Overgaard.<ref name= wmonline.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.wmonline.com/cities/heber.htm | title = Heber-Overgaard | year = 2012 | author = wmonline.com | publisher = wmonline.com }}</ref> The sawmill was assembled across [[Arizona State Route 260|SR 260]] from the present day "Overgaard Food Center".<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com">{{cite web|title=Heber-Overgaard History|url=https://heberovergaardaz.com/about-heber-overgaard/history/|access-date=March 25, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>  Mr. Overgaard ran the sawmill until financial reversals resulted in its sale.<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com"/>  He then moved with his wife, Lillian and there son Chris Lee born in April 1939, to Ripley [[Ohio]], and he lived to the age of 85.<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com"/> The sawmill was eventually replaced by a [[senior center]] that was later lost in the [[Rodeo–Chediski Fire]] in the summer of 2002.<ref name="heberovergaardaz.com"/>  The "Rim Country Senior/Community Center" has since been rebuilt.<ref name=seniorcenter.us>{{cite web|url=https://seniorcenter.us/sc/rim_country_senior_center_overgaard_az|title=Rim Country Senior/Community Center|year=2019 |author=Rim Country Senior/Community Center |publisher=Rim Country Senior/Community Center}}</ref> The post office in Overgaard was established on October 14, 1938.  William T. Shockley served as the first postmaster in 1938, followed by Christ Overgaard in 1939.<ref name=webpmt.usps.gov>{{cite web|url=http://webpmt.usps.gov/pmt003.cfm |title=Postmaster Finder |year=2013 |author=U.S.P.S. |publisher=U.S. Government }}{{dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On February 1, 1971, the local Sheriff's Posse formed a committee to promote the construction of a Fire Department for the Heber–Overgaard area. By March of the same year, land was secured for the location of the new Fire Department. In February 1972, the Sheriff Posse disbanded because some members had moved out of the area. In early 1973, the newly formed American Legion Post 86 took over the task of forming a Fire Department and Fire District for the area. They were able to obtain the signatures necessary to have an election called to form a Fire District. A petition was put together and used to propose the formation of a Fire District to the County Board of Supervisors. The American Legion put up the necessary funds to have an election. On June 4, 1973, by unanimous vote, the Heber–Overgaard Fire District was established. It had an area of 102 square miles. On June 14, Ivan Wilson was elected as the first Fire Chief of the new District and Larry Rhodes as the Secretary-Treasurer. Walt Downs and John Shaffery Sr. were the first two men to sign up as Firefighters.<ref name= hofdaz.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.hofdaz.com/history.html | title = The history of Heber-Overgaard Fire Department | year = 2013 | author = Heber-Overgaard Fire Department | publisher = hofdaz.com | access-date = August 27, 2013 | archive-date = November 1, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101071206/http://www.hofdaz.com/history.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>

The first [[Fourth of July]] parade was held in 1976.<ref name = Hunt /> Since its inaugural year, the parade has become one of Heber's most popular ways to celebrate independence day, drawing crowds upwards of 20,000.<ref name= wmicentral.com>{{cite web | url = https://www.wmicentral.com/news/latest_news/parade-returns-to-heber-overgaard/article_db56a46c-a7f8-55aa-8c3f-f73bdf8c5ba4.html | title = Parade returns to Heber/Overgaard | year = 2018 | author = Mike Leiby | publisher = wmicentral.com }}</ref> In recent years, the parade and fireworks displays have been moved to the weekend nearest the 4th of July as a convenience to non-locals.<ref name= heberovergaard.org />

On July 4, 1980, Les Parham, of Heber–Overgaard, put on his first of 39 years worth of fireworks displays, his last being on July 6, 2019. Fundraising was spearheaded by the Heber-Overgaard Chamber of Commerce and was solely paid for by the contributions of viewers who enjoyed the show. The first show was held in what was once known as the Porter softball field, SW corner of Parkview and HW260, to an audience of several hundred. A country fried steak dinner fundraiser was held to cover expenses. Today, an audience in the thousands views the display at the Mogollon High School fields. This is primarily paid for by parking lot donations at the Tall Timbers County Park festivities and the Mogollon High School fireworks display.<ref name= heberovergaard.org>{{cite web | url = http://heberovergaard.org/community-events/ | title = Community-Events | year = 2013 | author = Heber-Overgaard Chamber of Commerce | publisher = heberovergaard.org | access-date = June 28, 2014 | archive-date = July 7, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140707101051/http://heberovergaard.org/community-events/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In 1988, Heber–Overgaard celebrated its first Oktoberfest event at Tall Timbers County Park. Originally taking place in October, the festivities were eventually moved to September as a convenience to seasonal visitors. The event primarily consists of food, live music, a beer garden and arts and crafts booths.<ref name= heberovergaard.org />

On August 24, 1995, federal Judge Carl Muecke ordered the 11 national forests of Arizona and New Mexico to halt all logging until their forest plans adequately protect the Mexican spotted owl. The injunction was placed after a lawsuit was filed by Robin Silver, conservation chairman of the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity.<ref name= hcn.org>{{cite web | url = http://www.hcn.org/issues/42/1276 | title = Owl shuts down the Southwest | date =  September 4, 1995 | author = Shea Andersen | publisher = hcn.org }}</ref> The controversial shutdown affected 8 large mills, several small mills and hundreds of jobs.<ref name= DailyCourier>{{cite news |title=Spotted Owl Rule Likely Will Cost Hundreds of Jobs, Millions of Dollars |author= Luna I. Shyr |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=894&dat=19950828&id=y6BSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lX0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2853,3804576 |newspaper= The Daily Courier|date= August 28, 1995|access-date=September 10, 2013}}</ref> Many Heber–Overgaard residents were forced to relocate and find work elsewhere.<ref name="ncsu.edu">{{cite web | url = http://www.ncsu.edu/project/wildfire/Arizona/heber/h_promote.html | title = Precision Pine & Timber | date = June 2004 | author = NCSU | publisher = ncsu.edu }}</ref> Black ribbons were placed throughout town to raise awareness of the situation, and to show support for the loggers and their families.<ref name= PineGraphics2>{{cite news | title = Spotted Owl Controversy| author = Unknown Author | publisher = Pine Graphics }}</ref> Environmentalists argued that "jobs would vanish no matter what, for if cutting continued at its current rate, the old-growth forests would be gone within thirty years and the mills forced to close anyhow".<ref name= scu.edu>{{cite web | url = http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v4n1/ | title = Ethics and the Spotted Owl Controversy | date =Spring 1991 | author = Claire Andre and Manuel Velasquez | publisher = scu.edu }}</ref> The forests remained closed for over eight years. In 2002, the Parker Mill, in [[Clay Springs, Arizona|Clay Springs]] (16 miles away), and the Snowflake Mill (35 miles east) were two of the first mills to start up again.<ref name="ncsu.edu"/>

===21st century===
[[File:Rodeo–Chediski Fire.jpg|thumb|left|Rodeo-Chediski Fire, Bison Ranch]]
In 2002, the [[Rodeo–Chediski Fire]] was a wildfire that burned in Heber–Overgaard beginning on June 18, 2002, and was not controlled until July 7. It was the second worst forest fire in Arizona to date, destroying 268 structures in Heber–Overgaard, (mainly in Overgaard) and consuming {{convert|467066|acre|km2}}. Overgaard was evacuated for nearly two weeks while the fire was fought.<ref name="ncsu.edu"/>

Founded in 2005 and opening to the public in 2017, the Apache-Sitgreaves Observatory offers public viewing of the night sky using the largest dedicated public telescope in Arizona.  The 36-inch diameter telescope at Apache-Sitgreaves Observatory, bordering the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest on Overgaard's east side, has some of the darkest skies and is the closest observatory to the Phoenix metro area.

Today, Heber–Overgaard has evolved into a retirement and tourism destination. Recreational and lifestyle activities such as hiking and fishing can be enjoyed in the summer, and [[cross-country skiing]] in the winter. With a four-seasons climate, the town is a haven for those wishing to escape the heat of [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]].<ref name = heberovergaard.org /> Land ownership in the Heber–Overgaard area is private, but surrounded by federally owned lands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsu.edu/project/wildfire/Arizona/H-OCaseStudy.pdf|title=Heber-Overgaard Arizona Case Study| last1=Steelman|first1=Toddi A|last2=Bell|first2=Devona|website=ncsu.edu|year=2004 }}</ref> {{As of|2010}}, nearly 66% of the houses are second homes. While the full-time resident population is 2,822,<ref name= 2010census>{{cite web | url = https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=04 | title = 2010 Census Interactive Population Search | year = 2010 | author = U.S. Census Bureau | publisher = U.S. Government | access-date = December 6, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160131033337/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=04 | archive-date = January 31, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> summertime population numbers climb to nearly 12,000.<ref name= ncsu.edu />

==Geography==
[[File:HeberOvergaardMap.png|thumb|right|U.S. Census (2010)]]

Heber–Overgaard is located in the southwestern United States, in the central-eastern portion of Arizona; about halfway between [[Payson, Arizona|Payson]] to the southwest and [[Show Low, Arizona|Show Low]] to the southeast. By car, the town is approximately 144 miles (231.74&nbsp;km) north of [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], at the junction of [[Arizona State Route 260|SR 260]] and [[Arizona State Route 277|SR 277]]. It lies at a mean elevation of 6,627 feet (2,020 m),<ref name=GNIS /> in the [[Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest]]. The town is located in the [[White Mountains (Arizona)|White Mountains]] on the southern border of the [[Colorado Plateau]] and is surrounded by [[United States Forest Service|forest service]] land.

Other than Black Canyon and Buckskin Canyon in Heber, the topography of Heber–Overgaard ranges from rolling hills to flat meadows. Public roadways are maintained by "[[Navajo County, Arizona|Navajo County]] Public Works" with graded dirt roads making up the majority of outlying roads. [[Arizona State Route 260|SR 260]] and [[Arizona State Route 277|SR 277]] are maintained by [[Arizona Department of Transportation|ADOT]].

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the CDP has a total area of {{convert|6.9|sqmi|km2}}, all  land. With a population of 2,822, the density rate is approximately 411 people per square mile.

===Nearest cities and towns===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Aripine, Arizona|Aripine]]
* [[Clay Springs, Arizona|Clay Springs]]
* [[Forest Lakes, Arizona|Forest Lakes]]
* [[Holbrook, Arizona|Holbrook]]
* [[Show Low, Arizona|Show Low]]
* [[Snowflake, Arizona|Snowflake]]
{{div col end}}

[[File:Heber Snow.JPG|thumb|April snow in Heber–Overgaard]]

===Climate===
Heber–Overgaard has an atypical version of a [[Mediterranean climate|warm-summer Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Csb'') with a dry period in early summer followed by heavy monsoonal thunderstorms and rain from frontal cloudbands in the cooler months. Like more typical Mediterranean climates, however, forest fires tend to be extremely prevalent during dry summer periods.

{{Weather box
| location = Heber&ndash;Overgaard, Arizona (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1950–present)
| single line = Y
| collapsed = Yes
| Jan record high F = 72
| Feb record high F = 78
| Mar record high F = 78
| Apr record high F = 85
| May record high F = 91
| Jun record high F = 100
| Jul record high F = 100
| Aug record high F = 98
| Sep record high F = 94
| Oct record high F = 87
| Nov record high F = 78
| Dec record high F = 70
| year record high F = 
| Jan avg record high F = 58.7
| Feb avg record high F = 62.9
| Mar avg record high F = 69.5
| Apr avg record high F = 75.6
| May avg record high F = 82.7
| Jun avg record high F = 90.5
| Jul avg record high F = 91.2
| Aug avg record high F = 88.1
| Sep avg record high F = 84.7
| Oct avg record high F = 78.8
| Nov avg record high F = 69.4
| Dec avg record high F = 61.9
| year avg record high F = 92.4
| Jan high F = 45.6
| Feb high F = 49.6
| Mar high F = 56.5
| Apr high F = 63.6
| May high F = 71.0
| Jun high F = 81.7
| Jul high F = 83.0
| Aug high F = 80.5
| Sep high F = 75.5
| Oct high F = 66.9
| Nov high F = 55.3
| Dec high F = 45.6
| year high F = 64.6
| Jan mean F = 32.7
| Feb mean F = 36.2
| Mar mean F = 42.1
| Apr mean F = 47.8
| May mean F = 54.9
| Jun mean F = 64.8
| Jul mean F = 69.4
| Aug mean F = 67.6
| Sep mean F = 61.5
| Oct mean F = 51.5
| Nov mean F = 41.0
| Dec mean F = 32.7
| year mean F = 
| Jan low F = 19.9
| Feb low F = 22.9
| Mar low F = 27.7
| Apr low F = 32.0
| May low F = 38.9
| Jun low F = 47.9
| Jul low F = 55.8
| Aug low F = 54.8
| Sep low F = 47.5
| Oct low F = 36.1
| Nov low F = 26.7
| Dec low F = 19.9
| year low F = 
| Jan avg record low F = 2.8
| Feb avg record low F = 7.1
| Mar avg record low F = 13.5
| Apr avg record low F = 18.9
| May avg record low F = 26.4
| Jun avg record low F = 35.3
| Jul avg record low F = 46.6
| Aug avg record low F = 46.2
| Sep avg record low F = 33.5
| Oct avg record low F = 21.5
| Nov avg record low F = 11.1
| Dec avg record low F = 2.1
| year avg record low F = -1.5
| Jan record low F = -25
| Feb record low F = -18
| Mar record low F = -12
| Apr record low F = 3
| May record low F = 13
| Jun record low F = 21
| Jul record low F = 30
| Aug record low F = 30
| Sep record low F = 21
| Oct record low F = 9
| Nov record low F = -11
| Dec record low F = -22
| year record low F = 
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.74
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.65
| Mar precipitation inch = 1.41
| Apr precipitation inch = 0.67
| May precipitation inch = 0.63
| Jun precipitation inch = 0.45
| Jul precipitation inch = 2.67
| Aug precipitation inch = 2.98
| Sep precipitation inch = 1.84
| Oct precipitation inch = 1.22
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.24
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.87
| year precipitation inch = 
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 inch
| Jan precipitation days = 2.5
| Feb precipitation days = 3.1
| Mar precipitation days = 3.3
| Apr precipitation days = 1.9
| May precipitation days = 1.9
| Jun precipitation days = 2.2
| Jul precipitation days = 9.9
| Aug precipitation days = 9.2
| Sep precipitation days = 5.0
| Oct precipitation days = 3.1
| Nov precipitation days = 2.5
| Dec precipitation days = 3.3
| Jan snow inch = 7.1
| Feb snow inch = 6.4
| Mar snow inch = 1.9
| Apr snow inch = 0.5
| May snow inch = 0.1
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.4
| Nov snow inch = 0.9
| Dec snow inch = 5.0
| year snow inch = 32.0
| unit snow days = 0.1 inch
| Jan snow days = 2.4
| Feb snow days = 2.1
| Mar snow days = 1
| Apr snow days = 0.9
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.1
| Nov snow days = 1
| Dec snow days = 1.1
| source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00023961&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Heber (Black Mesa) RS, AZ
|access-date = December 30, 2022
}}
</ref>
| source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=fgz
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Flagstaff
|access-date = December 30, 2022
}}
</ref>
| source = 
}}

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.jpg|thumb|left|Bull Elk]]
[[File:Pinyon-juniper woodland, Arizona.jpg|thumb|right|Pinyon-juniper woodland west of Overgaard]]
While some of the native flora and fauna of the [[Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest]] can be found within town limits, most are found in the rural and the undeveloped forest areas surrounding Heber–Overgaard.

Native mammal species include [[Pronghorn|antelope]], [[Arizona gray squirrel]], [[North American beaver|beaver]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[coyote]], [[deer mouse]], [[Sylvilagus audubonii|desert cottontail rabbit]], [[elk]], [[Botta's pocket gopher|gopher]], [[golden-mantled ground squirrel|ground squirrel]], [[gray fox]], [[western harvest mouse|harvest mouse]], [[American hog-nosed skunk|hog-nosed skunk]], [[black-tailed jackrabbit|jackrabbit]], [[collared peccary|javelina]], [[kit fox]], [[Mexican wolf]], [[mountain cottontail]], [[Cougar|mountain lion]], [[mule deer]], [[North American porcupine|porcupine]], [[North American raccoon|raccoon]], [[American red squirrel|red squirrel]], [[rock squirrel]], [[striped skunk]], [[white-footed mouse]], [[white-tailed deer]], and various bats.<ref name= inaturalist.org>{{cite web | url = https://www.inaturalist.org/places/1890 | title = Navajo County, US, AZ | year = 2018 | author = inaturalist.org }}</ref>

There are many species of native birds, including the [[acorn woodpecker]], [[American crow|crow]], [[bald eagle]], [[broad-tailed hummingbird]], [[cooper's hawk]], [[flammulated owl]], [[gambel's quail]], [[golden eagle]], [[greater roadrunner]], [[great horned owl]], [[hairy woodpecker]], [[hooded oriole]], [[pinon jay]], [[red-tailed hawk]], [[American kestrel|kestrel]], [[northern cardinal]], [[American robin|robin]], [[steller's jay]], [[common raven|raven]], [[turkey vulture]], [[wild turkey]], and [[western bluebird]] as well as a variety of songbirds.<ref name= wmonline.com2>{{cite web | url = http://www.wmonline.com/attract/birds/birds.htm | title = Birds of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest | year = 2011 | author = Unknown }}</ref><ref name= inaturalist.org />

The area is also home to a number of native reptile species including several types of [[venomous]] rattlesnakes ([[Crotalus cerberus|Arizona black rattlesnake]], [[Crotalus viridis|prairie rattlesnake]], and [[Crotalus molossus|western black-tailed rattlesnake]]); mildly venomous snakes ([[Thamnophis cyrtopsis|black-necked gartersnake]], [[Thamnophis rufipunctatus|narrowhead garter snake]] and [[western terrestrial garter snake]]); and non-venomous snakes [[California kingsnake]], [[glossy snake]], [[Pituophis catenifer|gopher snake]], [[long-nosed snake]], [[striped whipsnake]], and the [[ring-necked snake]]. Lizards include [[Crotaphytus collaris|eastern collared lizard]], [[greater short-horned lizard]], [[Urosaurus ornatus|ornate tree lizard]], [[Spiny lizard|plateau fence lizard]], [[sagebrush lizard]] and several types of [[Western whiptail|whiptails]]. Skinks include the [[Great Plains skink]] and the [[Plestiodon multivirgatus|many-lined skink]].<ref name= inaturalist.org />

Native amphibian species include the [[American bullfrog]], [[Arizona toad]], [[Hyla wrightorum|Arizona tree frog]], [[canyon tree frog]], [[chiricahua leopard frog]], [[Couch's spadefoot toad]], [[Great Plains toad]], [[Spea multiplicata|Mexican spadefoot]], [[northern leopard frog]], [[Plains spadefoot toad]], [[red-spotted toad]], [[western tiger salamander]] and the [[Woodhouse's toad]].<ref name= inaturalist.org />

The town and the surrounding areas are also home to a wide variety of native invertebrates including the [[Aphonopelma chalcodes|Arizona blond tarantula]], [[Latrodectus hesperus|black widow]], [[Lucanus mazama|cottonwood stag beetle]], [[Dynastes grantii|Grant's hercules beetle]], [[Schistocerca nitens|gray bird grasshopper]], [[Strymon melinus|gray hairstreak butterfly]], [[monarch butterfly]], [[Vanessa cardui|painted lady butterfly]], [[sonoran desert centipede]], [[tarantula hawk wasp]], [[ten-lined June beetle]], and [[wolf spider]] as well as a variety of [[moths]].<ref name= inaturalist.org />

Heber–Overgaard is located in the transition zone between [[Ponderosa shrub forest|montane conifer forest]] and [[pinyon-juniper woodland]]. Local flora include open forest dominated by [[Pinus ponderosa|ponderosa pine]] pines, pinyon pines ([[Pinus edulis|Colorado pinion]] and [[Pinus monophylla|single-leaf pinyon]]) and low, bushy, evergreen [[Juniperus|junipers]] ([[Juniperus deppeana|alligator juniper]], [[Juniperus californica|California juniper]], [[Juniperus grandis|sierra juniper]], and [[Juniperus osteosperma|Utah juniper]]). Other flora include the [[Cirsium arizonicum|Arizona thistle]], [[Commelina dianthifolia|birdbill dayflower]], [[Bouteloua gracilis|blue grama]], [[Heterotheca subaxillaris|camphorweed]], [[Silene laciniata|cardinal catchfly]], [[Mirabilis multiflora|Colorado four o'clock]], [[Desmanthus|Cooley's bundleflower]], [[Portulaca halimoides|desert portulaca]], [[Calliandra humilis|dwarf stickpea]], [[Rhus aromatica|fragrant sumac]], [[Bouteloua hirsuta|hairy grama]], [[Asclepias subverticillata|horsetail milkweed]], [[Yucca angustissima|narrowleaf yucca]], [[Geranium caespitosum|pinewoods geranium]], [[Houstonia wrightii|pygmy bluet]], [[Amauriopsis dissecta|ragleaf bahia]], [[Eriogonum|redroot buckwheat]], [[Bouteloua curtipendula|sideoats grama]], [[Cosmos parviflorus|southwestern cosmos]], [[Argemone pleiacantha|southwestern prickly poppy]], [[Opuntia polyacantha|starvation prickly-pear]], [[Senecio flaccidus|threadleaf groundsel]], [[Euphorbia serpyllifolia|thyme-leafed spurge]], [[Opuntia macrorhiza|twist spine prickly pear]], [[Ratibida columnifera|upright prairie coneflower]], [[Phacelia|virgate scorpionweed]], [[Escobaria vivipara|viviparous foxtail cactus]], [[Tradescantia occidentalis|western spiderwort]], [[Castilleja integra|wholeleaf Indian paintbrush]], [[Solanum jamesii|wild potato]], [[Eriogonum alatum|winged buckwheat]], [[Astragalus mollissimus|woolly locoweed]], and [[Castilleja linariifolia|Wyoming Indian paintbrush]].<ref name= inaturalist.org /> Local [[Poison|noxious]] and [[invasive weeds]] include [[morning-glory]], [[mullein]], [[oxeye daisy]], [[Jacobaea vulgaris|tansy ragwort]], [[Lepidium draba|whitetop]], and various [[thistles]].<ref name= fs.usda.gov>{{cite web | url = https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5310544.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160328213430/http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5310544.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = March 28, 2016 | title = Field Guide to Noxious and Invasive Weeds | year = 2008 | author = USDA}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=right
|1990= 1581
|2000= 2722
|2010= 2822
|2020= 2898
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="Census2020"/>
}}

As of the census<ref name="Census2020"/> of 2020, there were 2,898 people, 1,350 occupied households (2,197 unoccupied), and 1,192 family units residing in the CDP. The population density was {{convert|422.45|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 3,547 housing units at an average density of {{convert|517.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. Occupied housing units consisted of 2.3% without a bedroom, 8.6% with one bedroom, 83% with 2–3 bedrooms, and 5.5% with 4 or more bedrooms. Median gross rent was $691.

The racial makeup of the CDP was 1.7% [[Race (United States Census)|American Indian]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Alaska Native]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 11.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]], 0.2% [[Race (United States Census)|Native Hawaiian]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 83.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Not Hispanic or Latino]], 87.6% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 3.7% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 6.0% from two or more races.

There were 1,350 households, out of which 16.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 29.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 19.7% had a female householder with no husband present. The average family size was 2.96. Of 3,547 housing units, 2,197 were vacant. Veterans made up 20.1% of the population. Marital Status makeup for the CDP was 49.3% Married, 8.7% widowed, 19.2% divorced, 1.6% separated, and 21.2% never married. Population by age ranged with 2.4% under the age of 5, 9.3% from 5 to 14, 4.8% from 15 to 17, 16.5% under 18, 65% 18 and over, 34.4% 65 and over. The older population consisted of 19.3% 65 to 74, 10.2% 75–84, and 4.8% 85 and older. The median household age was 55.4 years.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,417, the median income for a family was $37,672, married-couple families was $37,961 and non-family was $26,858. About 22.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 34.7% of those under age 18, 29.2% age 18–64, and 6.4% of those age 65 or over. 26.6% of the total population were on disability.  The industry was made of 10.7% (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting), 12.3% construction, 24.4% retail, 4.4% (transport, warehousing, utilities), 4.7% information, 3.4% (finance and insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing), 4.4% (professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management), 9.4% (arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services), 4.3% other services, and 1.5% public administration. Employment Rate was 33.8%.

Education attainment consisted of 32.1% with a high school or equivalent degree, 31.2% with some college (no degree), 8.8% with an associate degree, 11.8% with a bachelor's degree, and 3.7% with a graduate or professional degree. The school enrolled population was 86.9% consisting of 0% preschool, 86.9% kindergarten to 12th grade, 13% college or undergraduate, and 0% graduate or professional degree.

==Economy==
Retirement and tourism are an important part of the Heber–Overgaard economy. Proximity to the [[Sitgreaves National Forest]] provides recreational opportunities, and timber is harvested for Precision Pine Sawmill and Stone Container Paper Mill. A mulch plant processes forest by-products.<ref name= rimcountry.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.rimcountry.com/ho.htm | title = Heber-Overgaard, Arizona VITAL STATISTICS | year = 2011 | author = Arizona State Department of Commerce | publisher = rimcountry.com}}</ref>

Service businesses provide employment and services for the predominant retirement community. Government and schools also contribute to the local economy. Retail trade is increasing. Construction is also a major factor in the area's gradually expanding economy.<ref name= rimcountry.com />

==Parks and outdoor recreation==
[[File:TallTimbersCountyParkAZ.jpg|thumb|right|Tall Timbers County Park]]
Heber–Overgaard offers multiple community facilities including a public library, 40-acre park, astronomical observatory, aviation airpark and a number of athletic facilities: baseball, football and [[Little League]] fields; basketball, volleyball, tennis and racquet ball courts.<ref name= rimcountry.com />

Immediately south of Heber–Overgaard is the [[Mogollon Rim]], a steep escarpment ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet from the base to the highest plateau. The Rim divides the northern plateau region from the lower central and southern areas. The Rim offers scenic views and numerous man-made lakes ideal for fishing.<ref name= rimcountry.com />

Hunting for elk, deer, turkey, antelope and bear is permitted. Fishing, in nearby trout streams, is popular. There are also picnic and camping facilities available within the area. Other scenic attractions in the area include [[Black Canyon Lake (Arizona)|Black Canyon Lake]], [[Willow Springs Lake]], [[Woods Canyon Lake]], [[Chevelon Canyon Lake]], the Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery, Chevelon Butte, and the [[Fort Apache Indian Reservation]].<ref name= rimcountry.com />

==Public services==

Heber–Overgaard is [[Unincorporated area|unincorporated]], and governed by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors. Education, fire and police services are provided by the county.

===Education===

The [[Heber–Overgaard Unified School District]] serves Heber–Overgaard.
Mountain Meadows Primary School (grades Pre K–3), Capps Middle School (grades 4–6), Mogollon Junior High School (grades 7–8), and [[Mogollon High School]] (grades 9–12) serve the community. Student enrollment is approximately 471.<ref name="nces.ed">{{cite web|title=Search For Public Schools|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?ID2=0400026|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=January 30, 2019}}</ref>

[[Northland Pioneer College]], a state-accredited community college, serves Navajo County remotely via satellite. The college has centers located in Holbrook, Show Low, Snowflake/Taylor, and Winslow.<ref name= rimcountry.com />

===Police and fire department===

The community is served by the sheriff's posse, county deputies, and the [[Arizona Department of Public Safety|Department of Public Safety]].

The Heber–Overgaard Fire Department was founded on February 1, 1971. The fire department has three paramedics, five IMETs, 15 EMTs, and 40 volunteers.<ref name= rimcountry.com />

===Transportation===
Mountain Valley Shuttle stops in Heber on its [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]]–[[Show Low, Arizona|Show Low]] route.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Route Schedule/Stops| access-date = January 27, 2020| url = https://mvshuttle.blogspot.com/p/route-schedulestops.html| archive-date = January 27, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200127221430/https://mvshuttle.blogspot.com/p/route-schedulestops.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>

Residents of Heber–Overgaard have access to public airports in Show Low 36 miles southeast, or Taylor, 29 miles northeast, and a private airpark located in Overgaard.

==Media and popular culture==
* The [[country rock]] band "Mogollon" was formed in Overgaard in the early 1980s. The group's name was derived from the nearby [[Mogollon Rim]]. What was once "a good way for a few high school buddies to impress the girls and to combat the boredom of a small town" soon turned into "one of the Premier Country Rock Entertainment groups in the West."<ref name=mogollonband.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.mogollonband.com/about.html | title = About Mogollon | year = 2014 | author = Mogollon Band | publisher = mogollonband.com | access-date = June 14, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006224846/http://www.mogollonband.com/about.html | archive-date = October 6, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Mogollon has performed at Heber–Overgaard's annual Independence Day fireworks festivities on numerous occasions.<ref name= heberovergaard.org />
* On November 5, 1975, [[Lumberjack|logger]] [[Travis Walton UFO incident|Travis Walton]] was allegedly abducted by a [[unidentified flying object|UFO]] while working with a logging crew in the [[Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest]]. He was found five days later at a Heber gas station.<ref name = Walton>{{cite book | title = The Walton Experience | author =  Walton, Travis| year = 1978 | publisher = Berkley | isbn = 0425036758 }}</ref> He was not naked, as is popularly believed. The Walton case received mainstream publicity and remains one of the "best-known instances of alleged [[alien abduction]]".<ref name="jclark">{{cite book |last=Clark |first=Jerome |author-link=Jerome Clark |title=The UFO Book: Encyclopedia of the Extraterrestrial |url=https://archive.org/details/ufobookencyclope0000clar |publisher=Visible Ink |year=1998 |isbn=1-57859-029-9 }}
</ref> His book about the alleged alien encounter, ''The Walton Experience'' (1978), was loosely adapted into the movie ''[[Fire in the Sky]]'' (1993) by [[Paramount Pictures]].
* The Heber area is mentioned in the book, ''Weird Arizona'', as being a prominent site for supposed [[Mogollon Monster]] (bigfoot) encounters.<ref name = WeirdArizona>{{cite book | title = Weird Arizona | author = Wesley Treat | editor = Mark Moran, Mark Sceurman | year = 2007 | publisher = Sterling Publishing | location = New York | pages = 78, 80–81 | isbn = 978-1-4027-3938-5| oclc = 173400034 }}</ref>

{{Gallery
|title=Heber–Overgaard Gallery
|width=180px
|height=200px
|align=center
|File: Black_Mesa_Ranger_District.jpg|Black Mesa Ranger District
|File: Heber_Overgaard_Chamber_of_Commerce.jpg|Heber–Overgaard Chamber of Commerce
|File: Heber-Overgaard Fire District.jpg|Heber–Overgaard Fire District
|File: Heber-Overgaard Unified School District Office.jpg |Heber–Overgaard Unified School District administrative office
|File: Navajo_County_Heber_Complex.jpg|Navajo County Heber Complex (Sheriff's office)
|File: Rim_Community_Library,_AZ.jpg|Rim Community Library

}}

==Notable people==
* [[Chester Crandell|Chester J. Crandell]] – Former Arizona State senator
* [[Jesse Horn]] – American author, illustrator and musician

==See also==
{{Portal|Arizona}}
* [[Colorado Plateau]]
* [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona]]
* [[White Mountains (Arizona)]]

==References==
{{reflist|22em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | title=The Crooked Trail to Holbrook | last=Hanchett Jr. | first=Leland J. | publisher=Arrowhead Press | year=1993 |isbn=0963778501}}
* {{cite book | title=Those Days Are Gone Forever | last=Hunt | first=Bobbie Stephens | publisher=Mead Publishing | year=2002 |asin=B0006S4MJ6}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Heber-Overgaard, Arizona}}
* [http://www.heberovergaardaz.com/ Official Town Page of Heber–Overgaard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130073204/https://heberovergaardaz.com/ |date=November 30, 2020 }}
* [http://www.heberovergaard.org/ Heber–Overgaard Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.hofdaz.com/ Heber–Overgaard Fire Department]
* [http://www.azcommerce.com/doclib/COMMUNE/heber-overgaard.pdf Community profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815201644/http://www.azcommerce.com/doclib/COMMUNE/heber-overgaard.pdf |date=August 15, 2008 }} from [[Arizona Department of Commerce]]
* [http://www.mogollonconnection.com Mogollon Connection – Local News Paper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806193129/http://mogollonconnection.com/ |date=August 6, 2020 }}

{{Navajo County, Arizona}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Census-designated places in Navajo County, Arizona]]
[[Category:Census-designated places in Arizona]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1876]]
[[Category:Populated places of the Mogollon Rim]]
[[Category:1876 establishments in Arizona Territory]]