Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Arrival of the railroad in Mescal and Benson
Railroad Impacts on the San Pedro River Valley
"The railroad reached the area of current day Benson in the early summer of 1880 (Myrick, 1981, p. 57-61) As we shall see below and in a forthcoming second article about railroads, the arrival of the Southern Pacific at Benson had considerable impacts within the San Pedro River Valley. The Big Four realized that the Middle Crossing of the San Pedro River was a natural place for the establishment of a new town They had the Pacific Improvement Co.. a holding company created by them to manage their investments outside of their direct railroad holdings and private estates (Coman, 1942), plat a town there named after William B. Benson, a friend of Charles Crocker The town was located on high ground to avoid floods and the malaria prevalent along the river Sales of lots in the new town began on June 21, 1880, and regular railroad service to and from Benson started the next day Benson rapidly grew in population and within six months had four stores, several shops, a hotel and several saloons. The town rapidly became a transportation hub. Stagecoaches and freight wagons trundled between it and mining areas and population centers such as Tombstone. By 1884 the town was nearly recovered from the effects of a recent fire (Elliott. 1884, p. 242). Just east of it the Benson Smelting and Mining Company of San Francisco operated a smelter on the north side of the railroad. From March 1883 to January 1884 the smelter produced $725,000 in bullion Approximately half of the ore for the smelter came from Arizona, a quarter from Sonora, and another quarter from New Mexico The population of the town reached approximately 500 inhabitants in 1885 (TT, 1885).
The presence of the Southern Pacific and railroads that would be built within the valley facilitated the movement of cattle into and out of the San Pedro River Valley and helped promote the over stocking of the valley with livestock and the subsequent severe overgrazing of its grasslands (Sayre, 1999).
Before the founding of Benson and Tombstone, Tres Alamos had been the largest population center In the San Pedro River Valley The advent of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the development of profitable mines in the Tombstone and Bisbee areas made Tres Alamos a less profitable venue for general merchandise stores and stagecoach companies and led to the start of a decline in importance of the latter settlement The Hooker family had maintained in Tres Alamos the very well-regarded Tres Alamos House that supplied lodging and provided excellent food. Hooker realized that the need for travel lodging at Tres Alamos would soon decline and in early February 1879 announced that the facility was for sale or rent (AC, 1879a). Kinnear in early March 1879 dropped Tres Alamos from his stage route between Tucson and Tombstone (AC, 1879b)
The August 28, 1880 issue of The Arizona Citizen contained further news foreshadowing a decline in the importance of Tres Alamos relative to other settlements in the valley (AC, 1880a, 1880b) Mister Wilt had moved his stock of merchandise from Tres Alamos to Benson. The bridge at Tres Alamos and the road on both the east and west sides of it were in very bad shape. In September 1886, the federal government ordered the post office at Tres Alamos closed, with mail for that place to be sent to Benson (CC, 1886)
Railroads promoted the settlement of the San Pedro River Valley by advertising for and transporting new settlers into Arizona See for example the 1880 advertising circular (ATS, 1880) of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad."
excerpt from Railroads Part 1. The Arrival of the Railroads by Gerald R. Noonan - 2016.: https://scihistory.info/railroads-part-1.html
Monday, March 17, 2025
The Inhabitance of Mescal: From Indigenous Roots to Modernization
As a part of Southern Arizona, Mescal has a rich and complex history shaped by Indigenous civilizations, European explorers, missionaries, and settlers. From the early Native American inhabitants to the arrival of the railroad, this region has been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and expansion.
Native American Foundations
Long before European contact, the land that is now southern Arizona was home to thriving Indigenous peoples. The Hohokam civilization, which flourished between 300 and 1500 AD, built an extensive system of canals for irrigation, enabling agriculture in the desert. They mysteriously disappeared, but their descendants, the O’odham peoples (including the Tohono O’odham and Akimel O’odham), continued to inhabit the region. The Apache, a nomadic group, also lived in the area, developing a reputation as fierce warriors skilled in survival. East of Mescal, the Sobaipuri found the San Pedro River as a source of water for agriculture and sustenance. These tribes shaped the landscape through trade, farming, and cultural traditions that persist today.
Marcos de Niza and Early Spanish Influence (1539)
In 1539, the Franciscan friar Marcos de Niza ventured through southern Arizona as part of Spain’s early reconnaissance of the Southwest. He claimed to have seen the golden city of Cíbola, which later led to Coronado’s journey. Though his reports were likely exaggerated, de Niza’s exploration was significant in bringing European attention to the region.
The Coronado Expedition (1540-1542)
The first major European incursion into southern Arizona occurred with the Francisco Vázquez de Coronado expedition in 1540. Searching for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, Coronado led an expedition northward from Mexico, passing through Arizona. Though he found no riches, his journey marked the beginning of Spanish exploration in the region. His encounters with Native tribes set the stage for future interactions—some peaceful, others marked by conflict.
Father Kino and Spanish Missionary Efforts (1687-1700)
In the late 1600s, another figure left a lasting impact on southern Arizona: Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary. Kino arrived in the area in 1687 and established a network of missions, including Mission San Xavier del Bac near present-day Tucson. He introduced European agriculture, livestock, and Christianity to the Indigenous peoples, forming a lasting relationship with the O’odham. Unlike many Spanish missionaries, Kino generally maintained peaceful relations with the local tribes and promoted economic self-sufficiency through farming and ranching.
As the Americas grew from the work of the Jesuits, King Charles III of Spain began a growing distrust of them. In 1767 he banned them from all Spanish colonies in the Americas and installed the Franciscans as replacements.
The Spanish Presidios and Colonial Expansion (1700s through 1800s)
As Spanish influence grew, the need for military protection arose. In the 1700s, Presidios protected the reigion.
The three presidios of southern Arizona—Tubac, Tucson, and Terrenate—were Spanish colonial military outposts established in the 18th century to protect settlers, missionaries, and trade routes from Apache raids and other threats.
Presidio of Tubac (est. 1752) – Founded as the first European settlement in what is now Arizona, Tubac served as a Spanish frontier garrison to guard settlers and missions. It played a key role in early exploration and colonization, but Apache attacks forced its relocation to Tucson in 1776.
Presidio of Tucson (est. 1775) – Established by Spanish forces under Captain Hugo O'Conor, this presidio became a crucial defensive stronghold and later evolved into the modern city of Tucson. It remained a center of Spanish, then Mexican, and eventually American control.
Presidio of Terrenate (est. 1775) – Located near modern-day Sierra Vista, Terrenate was built to protect mining interests and settlers but faced relentless Apache attacks. Due to its remote and dangerous location, it was abandoned by 1780.
These presidios were vital in Spain’s effort to control and colonize the Southwest, leaving a lasting impact on Arizona’s history.
Mexican Independence (1821)
Mexican Independence from the Spanish Empire was achieved on September 27, 1821, after more than a decade of struggle. The movement began on September 16, 1810, with Miguel Hidalgo's famous Grito de Dolores, calling for rebellion against Spanish rule. The war saw shifting leadership, including figures like José María Morelos and Vicente Guerrero. Eventually, Agustín de Iturbide and Guerrero united forces under the Plan of Iguala, leading to the successful ousting of Spanish control. Mexico's independence marked the end of over 300 years of colonial rule, shaping the nation's path toward sovereignty and self-governance. After years of Spanish control, the region now belonged to Mexico.
Gadsden Purchase (1854)
The Gadsden Purchase was an 1854 agreement between the United States and Mexico, in which the U.S. bought 29,670 square miles of land in present-day southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico for $10 million. Negotiated by James Gadsden, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, the deal aimed to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and resolve lingering border disputes following the Mexican-American War. The purchase finalized the continental U.S. borders and reinforced American expansion in the Southwest. Mescal was now under control of the United States and a southern transcontinental route was now possible.
Butterfield Overland Mail Trail (1858)
The Butterfield Overland Mail Trail entered present-day Arizona in 1858 as part of a stagecoach route that connected St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, to San Francisco, California. This route was crucial for mail and passenger transport across the rugged southwestern frontier. It crossed Arizona’s harsh deserts, passing through key waystations like Dragoon Springs, Apache Pass, and Tucson, providing vital communication between the East and West before the Civil War. Mescal was on the link between San Pedro and Tucson. Though short-lived, the trail played a significant role in the expansion of transportation and settlement in the Arizona Territory.
The trail route passed through modern Mescal approximately halfway between Interstate 10 and the Southern Pacific Railroad.1.
Southern Pacific Railroad (1880)
The Southern Pacific Railway played a crucial role in the development of Mescal. The railway reached the area in 1880 as part of its expansion across the Southwest, connecting California to Texas and beyond. Mescal became a key stop for refueling and maintenance, supporting local ranching and mining operations. In 1913 a post office was established and the community continued to grow to service the operations of the railroad. However, when the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad was abandoned, the area lost prominence and in 1931 the post office was closed. Mescal remained a stop for railroad operations and refueling and local ranching. Nearby Benson grew as a hub for the region.
Mescal Movie Set (1960s)
When Old Tucson Studios continued to support old westerns, they began to look for another location for filming. The Mescal Movie Set was built on a location chosen for its elevation over the region providing expansive views. The set became a popular location for filmmakers seeking an authentic Western feel. Iconic productions such as Tombstone (1993), The Quick and the Dead (1995), and Monte Walsh (1970) were filmed there. As Old Tucson shifted to a more tourist-oriented focus, Mescal remained a dedicated working film set. There are more movies filmed in Mescal than originally understood. While the film credits show Old Tucson Studios as the location, the true location was the Mescal Movie Set. The Mescal Movie Set is continuing to review old movies to determine which were filmed at the Mescal location.
New Communities (1970-1973)
With the establishment of an interchange along I-10 at Mescal Road, the region was ripe for development into subdivisions. In 1970, the area south of I-10 was platted as the J-Six Ranchettes. The area north of I-10 was platted as Mescal Lakes in 1971-1973. As people purchased lots and built homes the region has continue to grow and has added dining and retail and still continues to see visitors to the Mescal Movie Set.
1. Butterfield Route Image by Gerald T. Ahnert, Dragoon Springs Station map, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Mescal Plant
The mescal plant, commonly referring to agave, held both cultural and agricultural significance, particularly among Indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Cultural Significance
- Spiritual and Ritual Use – Many Indigenous groups, such as the Apache and other Native American tribes, used mescal in religious ceremonies. Some species of agave were associated with sacred rites, purification rituals, and even peyote ceremonies (though peyote is a different plant).
- Food and Sustenance – Roasted agave hearts (often called mescal or mezcal) were a staple food source for many Indigenous peoples, providing sustenance during long journeys or during times of food scarcity.
- Alcoholic Beverages – The fermentation of mescal plants led to the development of pulque (a traditional Mesoamerican alcoholic drink) and, later, mezcal and tequila, which became central to Mexican culture and economy.
- Symbolism in Mythology – In Aztec and other Mesoamerican traditions, the agave plant was linked to deities such as Mayahuel, the goddess of fertility and agave.
Agricultural Significance
- Adaptability to Harsh Climates – Agave thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, making it a crucial crop in regions with little rainfall.
- Sustainable Resource – The plant provided multiple uses:
- Fibers for textiles and rope (sisal and henequen).
- Sap for fermentation into drinks like pulque.
- Leaves and stalks for livestock feed.
- Medicinal applications, such as wound treatment and digestive remedies.
- Soil Conservation – Agave plants help prevent soil erosion in dry regions due to their deep-root systems and ability to retain moisture.
- Economic Impact – Historically and today, agave is a major agricultural product, especially in Mexico, where industries surrounding mezcal and tequila production contribute significantly to the economy.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Population
Every 10 years, the United States conducts a census. Population estimates are done at the state, county, tract, and block levels. The block level is the smallest geographic area.
A Census Designated Place (CDP) is a concentration of population for statistical purposes. When the US Census finds a concetration of homes that has not been identified as a municipality, they draw their own boundary and provide a name.
In 2000, Mescal did not have a unique CDP boundary.
In 2010, the US Census identified two boundaries for Mescal. The boundary within Pima County was designated "Pimaco Two" and the boundary within Cochise was designated "Mescal".
In 2020, the boundary within Pima County was renamed "J-Six Ranchettes", though it appears that the boundary remained as the 2010 census.
From the US Census, the total population is as follows:
| CDP | 2010 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Population Pimaco Two / J-6 Ranchettes | 682 | 647 |
| Population Mescal | 1812 | 1751 |
| Total Population | 2494 | 2398 |
The following maps show the Census Designated Place boundaries for 2010 and 2020.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimaco_Two,_Arizona
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
The Mescal Summit and the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad
Long abandoned, traces of a historic rail line can be seen in Mescal, Arizona. This railroad extended from the Mescal Station to Bisbee, Arizona and beyond.
On historical maps, the connection is shown as "Benson, Arizona", but the connection was approximately 8 miles west at Mescal, Arizona.
Mescal was also the location of a Coaling Tower that stood until 1998. The picture is of the Section Foreman House for the Mescal Station in 1914 - from Myrick.
The abandoned train track can still be seen quite clearly from satellite images as it passes from Mescal to Bisbee and beyond.
A fascinating history of this abandoned railroad can be found at the waltersrail.com website.
Historic Mescal Wash
Located 8 miles west at Cienega Creek, the Mescal Wash Site is an archaeological treasure trove that was occupied by various cultural groups over a span of 3,000 years, from 1200 B.C. to 1450 A.D. Excavations have revealed artifacts from the Hohokam, Mogollon, Trincheras, and other Sonoran indigenous groups, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural interactions. The site's continuous occupation highlights its significance as a resource-rich area, offering insights into the region's prehistoric past.
These groups would have seen the whole southeastern Arizona as their lands to use for hunting, gathering, and living. While they have long moved on, they have left footprints to their unique existence in the Mescal area.
Mescal's Historic Coaling Tower
Mescal was home to one of the Southern Pacific Coaling Towers.
A railroad coaling tower is a large structure used to store and dispense coal for steam locomotives. Typically made of concrete or wood, these towers were built above the tracks, allowing gravity to efficiently transfer coal from storage bins into a locomotive’s tender. Coaling towers were common in rail yards and along major rail lines during the steam era, ensuring a steady supply of fuel for trains. With the transition to diesel locomotives, most coaling towers became obsolete, though some remain as historic remnants of railroading’s past.
Mescal's coaling tower stood until approximately 1998. According to trainorders.com. Here is one author's description:
"Southern Pacific's Sunset Route between Tucson and Dragoon was and still is today, a very exciting place to watch trains. Known as the Stormy, this route boasts several major grades, grade separations, great scenery, and until a few years ago, semaphore signals.
Mescal, the first summit east from Tucson, is the location where track #1, the old EP&SW RR line, and track # 2 come back together (just west) and was the location of one of SP's huge concrete coaling towers. The others being in Tucson, Lordsburg, and Deming. There were others but they were gone when I came on the scene. The tower here at Mescal stood as a sentinal until 1998 and could be seen from the east side of the San Pedro River."
-- user kdrtrains
Here is a picture of the tower taken by David Sheppard in 1998 and posted on flickr. Click on the link to see his original photograph on flickr and description:
Mescal Movie Set
Established nearly 50 years ago, the Mescal Movie Set has been the backdrop for numerous Western films. Notable movies such as "Tombstone" (1993) featuring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, and "The Quick and the Dead" (1995) starring Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio. For a period of time the set was owned and operated by its sister Tucson Movie Studios. However, in 2021, the Kartchner family, known for their deep Arizona roots, acquired the property and a renaissance of western movie filming has been underway. Today, the set offers guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Old West ambiance and learn about its cinematic history.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Butterfield Trail
Butterfield Trail Map from the National Parks
Trail location from the Butterfield National Historic Trail Association
The House that Jack Built
In 1936, John F. Kennedy and his brother Joseph Jr. spent the summer working at the J-Six Ranch near Benson, Arizona. During their stay, they assisted in constructing an adobe office building on the ranch, which owner John G. F. Speiden referred to as "the house that Jack built."
Today, this house is located on the historic J-Six Ranch. Learn more about this story at the follwoing links:
https://redhawkj6.com/the-house-that-jack-built
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1D8QEAWj3o
Salcido Ranch
The Salcido Ranch is located in Mescal, Arizona, with notable historical significance. The current ranch is situated along Salcido Ranch Rd.
The Salcido family has deep roots in the Mescal area. One notable family member, Corporal George Arthur Salcido, was born to Manuel A. and Mary L. Salcido in Benson. He served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War and tragically lost his life in 1968 at the age of 19.
While specific historical records detailing the ranch's establishment and operations are limited, the property's longstanding presence and the Salcido family's association with the area suggest its significance in Mescal's local history.
Pictures from the original Mescal Post Office Site
The Original Mescal Post Office is long gone, however, there are remains from a settlement in the location as depicted by the Post Office Records. Here is what remains at that location:
Original Mescal Post Office Records
The original post office in Mescal, Arizona, was established in 1913, serving the local community during a period of regional development. It remained operational until 1931, reflecting the town's significance as a railroad station on the Southern Pacific Railroad during the early 20th century.
Post offices like the one in Mescal played a crucial role in connecting remote communities to broader national and international postal networks, facilitating communication and commerce. The establishment and operation of such post offices were often influenced by the presence of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads, which enabled efficient mail distribution.
The closure of the Mescal post office in 1931 may have been influenced by various factors, including shifts in transportation routes, population changes, or economic conditions that affected the viability of maintaining postal services in the area. Detailed records of post office establishments and closures, including Mescal are maintained by the National Archives and provide interesting insights into the operational history of specific post offices. The following images were obtained from National Archives on July 27, 2024. This is on their microfilm viewer pages 465-469.
Construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Mescal
The construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad near Mescal, Arizona, was integral to establishing a transcontinental rail connection through the southern United States in the late 19th century. After reaching Tucson in March 1880, the Southern Pacific Railroad continued its eastward expansion, with Mescal serving as a notable station along this route.
Mescal's establishment as a rail station facilitated transportation and commerce in the region, supporting local communities and industries.
In the early 20th century, the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad (EP&SW) constructed a line that intersected the Southern Pacific near Mescal. To avoid the challenging terrain of Cienega Canyon, the EP&SW built a 200-foot steel bridge over the Southern Pacific tracks near Mescal, then ran parallel for several miles before continuing westward to Tucson.
This strategic construction by the EP&SW underscores Mescal's significance as a railroad junction, enhancing transportation efficiency and contributing to the region's economic development during that era.
The stretch between Tucson and Benson constructed in 1880
The Southern Pacific Railroad played a pivotal role in connecting Tucson and Benson, Arizona, in the late 19th century. After reaching Tucson in March 1880, the railroad extended its line eastward, establishing Benson as a key station later that year. This development transformed Benson from a modest stagecoach stop into a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods throughout the region.
Benson's strategic location along the Southern Pacific line made it a crucial junction for mining operations in southeastern Arizona. The town served as a railhead for transporting ore and refined metals from mining districts such as Tombstone, Fairbank, Contention City, and Bisbee. Before the completion of feeder lines, materials were hauled by wagon to Benson for rail shipment, underscoring the town's importance in regional commerce.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad also spurred Benson's growth, attracting businesses and residents. Hotels, saloons, restaurants, and stores emerged to cater to travelers and workers, leading to a population increase from 300 in 1880 to 1,200 by 1910. The town's architectural landscape evolved during this period, with many structures reflecting the styles prevalent in railroad communities of that era.
Mescal Arizona History
Mescal, Arizona, originated as a rail station on the Southern Pacific Railroad at an elevation of 4,085 feet.
The town's development was closely tied to its role as a railroad stop, serving as a hub for transportation and commerce in the early 20th century. A post office operated in Mescal from 1913 until 1931, reflecting its significance during that period.In addition to the Southern Pacific Railroad, the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad (EP&SW) played a pivotal role in Mescal's railroad history. The EP&SW constructed a line that crossed the Southern Pacific near Mescal on a 200-foot steel bridge, then ran parallel for several miles before continuing westward to Tucson. This route was engineered to avoid the challenging terrain of Cienega Canyon and the steep grades faced by the Southern Pacific line, offering a more efficient path for rail traffic.
The EP&SW's strategic construction choices highlight Mescal's importance as a railroad junction, facilitating transportation and contributing to the town's growth during the early 1900s.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
As a part of Southern Arizona, Mescal has a rich and complex history shaped by Indigenous civilizations, European explorers, missionaries, a... -
Long abandoned, traces of a historic rail line can be seen in Mescal, Arizona. This railroad extended from the Mescal Station to Bisbee, Ar...
