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LOOKING BACK

A TRAIL TALE
 
by resident Joe Crider

Ah, for the good old days when life was simpler, we think sometimes. "We have no government, no taxes, no public debt, no politics." These words were written in 1857 at Tubac by Charles Poston, often called "the Father of Arizona". But, he failed to mention in this brief appraisal something else they didn't have - good roads.

The Europeans to enter this region of new lands (to them) either followed Indian foot paths which were seldom accommodating to wagons, picked their way along dry water courses, or simply struggled cross-country toward imagined golden opportunities.

One of the earliest "roads" of record in the Mescal/J-Six area was developed in the very early 1800's. This was still Spanish territory and settlers at the presidio (fort) of Tucson had begun farming in the rich soil along the San Pedro River at what they called Tres Alamos (Three Cottonwoods), about a half dozen miles north of present Benson. However, this was an on-and-off again enterprise because of Apache attacks. Spanish soldiers were assigned to protect, or try to, the farmers at work and travel. The route those people used probably came around the south end of the Rincon Mountains along Cienega Creek, Mescal Arroyo where the present railroad is, and then northeast to Tres Alamos.

In December of 1846, the Mormon Battalion came thru on its way from Iowa to California, mapping and constructing a wagon road authorized by the United States War Department. Led by Captain, later Lt. Colonel, Philip St. George Cooke, the battalion of about 400 men and a few of their wives came to the San Pedro River near present Naco, crossed to the west side and proceeded north.

On December 13th, the battalion camped less than a mile northwest of present Benson. The following day they continued northwest, away from the river and uphill thru mesquite for about nine miles and came upon a trail leading toward Tucson. This would have been the likely route of Mescal Arroyo to Cienega Creek with its indispensable water supply, and then to Tucson and California.

One of the battalion members, William Coray, wrote: "We traveled this day through the most prickly, prongy, thorny country I ever saw." And there was worst country ahead.

From September, 1858, to February, 1861, the Butterfield Overland Mail entered the area from the east, carrying mail and passengers between Missouri and California. From a station at Dragoon Spring (a few ruins are still visible) the trail led down to the river. Although later, more local stage companies had stations closer to Benson, the Butterfield Company had a station at Tres Alamos, on the west side of the river. This enterprise then followed the usual "road" to Tucson. In February, 1861, this route was discontinued because of the Civil War.

Today there are so many tracks, trails and roads in the vicinity that it would be difficult to say, "Those ruts you see right there were made by a Butterfield coach in 1861."

So, maybe now someone living north of the Mescal community has their home right on the old thoroughfare. Who can say?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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