Ever Hear of Pipe Spring, Arizona?
June 17, 2010
Where is Pipe Spring?
Pipe Spring is located in Arizona's Mohave County, near the Arizona-Utah boundary, and is approximately 350 miles from Central Phoenix. Take Interstate17 North to Flagstaff. Take Route 89 North to Junction 89A. Head West across Marble Canyon, the Vermillion Cliffs, andJacob Lake to Fredonia. The Pipe Spring National Monument is approximately 15 miles Southwest of Fredonia.
How did Pipe Spring get its name?
The water of "Pipe Spring" site nourished the Puebloan and Kaibab Paiute Indians for over 1,000 years. A $50 bet was won in the mid-1880's by "Gunlock" Hamblin, who shot the bottom off of a pipe bowl at 50 paces without touching the rim. Thereafter, the name "Pipe Spring" was used.
Who settled Pipe Springs?
In 1858, a Mormon missionary expedition discovered Pipe Spring, and by the 1860's, Mormon pioneers from St. George, Utah brought cattle to the area to establish a large cattle ranching operation. By 1866, conflict grew among the settlers, the Navajos and Paiutes. A protective fort was then built by settlers over the main spring, and was completed in 1872. The following year, Brigham Young purchased the fort and ranch for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). LDS Bishop Anson Perry Winsor of Grafton, Utah, was hired to operate the ranch and maintain the fort. Soon the fort became known as Winsor Castle. The outpost welcomed travelers crossing theArizona Strip. Cheese and milk were produced and stored with the help of the cool water of the spring, and was traded for other goods with St. George and other nearby communities.
The Kaibab Paiutes continued living around the area, and in 1907, the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation was established, surrounding the privately-owned ranch. Finally, The Pipe Spring Ranch was purchased by the Government on May 31, 1923 as a National Monument known as "a memorial of western pioneer life."
First Telegraph Operator at Pipe Spring
Eliza Luella Stewart was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1855. Brigham Young requested that she study Morse Code and move to Pipe Spring, Arizona in order to work for the Deseret Telegraph Company. She became the first telegraph operator there in 1870. While living at Pipe Spring, she met David King Udall. They fell in love and married in 1875. They moved to St. Johns, Arizona in 1880, and raised eight children. Their son, Levi Stewart Udall, was Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. Their Grandson, Stewart Udall, was a U.S. Congressman from Arizona, and a U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Their Grandson, Mo Udall, was a U.S. Congressman for 30 years, and was a candidate for U.S. President in 1976. Their Great-grandson, Mark Udall, is a U.S. Congressman from Colorado since 1999. Their Great-grandson,Tom Udall, has been a U.S. Congressman from New Mexico since 1999.
The Visitor Center and Museum offer human history of the area. Daily tours and summer demonstrations, an orchard and garden, and a half-mile trail offer a glimpse of the Indians and pioneer life in this remote portion of the Old West. A small campground is available through the Paiutes.
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