Founded in the early 1880's by Mormon pioneers, Lakeside derived its name from the area's lakes, and Pinetop derived its name from the nickname of a saloon keeper who served the Fort Apache soldiers.
The two communities incorporated as one town in 1984. Pinetop-Lakeside, at an elevation of 7,200 feet, is known for its extensive tourism and recreational activities, proximity to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pine, and for an outstanding quality of life.