National Day of the Cowboy Celebration in Payson, AZ July 23, 2022, by the Northern Gila County Historical Society
National Day of the Cowboy Celebration
Category: Arizona History
The Territorial Years – Part 3
Rim Country Influence in the Territorial Years Samuel A. Haught II, Duett Ellison Hunt, George W.P. Hunt Samuel A. Haught II – First Gila County Territorial Legislator Sam and his wife, Dagmar, lived on the H-Bar ranch in Rye. Ten thousand head of cattle grazed on their ranch land from Rye to Sunflower. Tragedy…
The Territorial Years – Part 2
The Move Toward Statehood In 1910 Congress passed legislation enabling a constitutional convention for Arizona. The constitution created by the 41 Democratic and 11 Republican delegates called for: legislators of both houses to be elected every 2 years to serve a 2-year term low pay for the Governor popular elections of judges all officials,…
The Territorial Years – Part 1
Formation of the Territory of Arizona Arizona – New Mexico Territory Territory of Arizona is Made In 1856 the first meeting to discuss the New Mexico Territory being split into the Territory of Arizona and Territory of New Mexico was held. February 24, 1863, President Lincoln signed into law a bill providing for the Territory of…
A Short History of Tom Horne 1861 – 1903
Tom Horne was born in Scotland, Missouri in 1861. At the age of 14 he ran way from home and headed west. He is described as being broad shouldered, over 6′ tall, with a lean and muscular frame, generally handsome but having a prominent nose and small penetrating eyes. Some said that he could “stare…
General George Crook in Arizona Part 3
In March of 1875 General George Crook was transferred to the Department of the Platte. In the northern territories the Sioux and Cheyenne were preparing to go on the warpath. Crook participated in the campaigns there until 1877. During the General’s absence from Arizona the Interior Department decided to move all the Indian bands from…
General George Crook in Arizona Part 2
With the departure of Vincent Collier and his peace commission, General George Crook was ready to restart his campaign in February 1872. He was again halted by Washington politicians. This time they sent General Oliver O. Howard, a veteran of the Civil War. Howard had become extremely pious and had some success in the east…
General George Crook in Arizona Part 1
George Crook was born on September 8, 1828 near Taylorsville, Ohio. He graduated from West Point in 1852 and was assigned to fight Indians in the Pacific Northwest. Crook rose steadily in rank. He was sent East to fight in the Civil War where he commanded an Ohio Volunteer Regiment, eventually reaching the rank of…
General Crook and His Trail
General Crook assumed command of the military district of Arizona early in 1871. His experience had convinced him that well outfitted units able to move quickly were important in Indian campaigns. He needed a supply road in order to connect the remote Fort Verde and more remote Fort Apache with the main supply base at…
