EA TOVREA

Edward A. Tovrea was born on March 20, 1861, in Sparta, Illinois. In his early years, he transitioned from farming to freighting and canal ventures before making a significant impact in Bisbee, Arizona, as a meat salesman. Demonstrating leadership in construction and irrigation, he was notably the general foreman for the Wolfley Dam project.

In 1919, Tovrea founded the Arizona Packing Company in Phoenix, which quickly became a leading force in the Southwest packing industry with a daily capacity of three thousand tons. His influence extended to real estate with the purchase of the Warner Heights development, which included what is now known as Tovrea Castle. The castle, surrounded by exquisite cactus gardens designed by Russian gardener Moktachev, was completed during the Great Depression and remains a key historical site and tourist attraction in Phoenix. Tovrea Castle, managed by his family after his death, continues to offer guided tours that highlight the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert.