In Old Arizona

IN OLD

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM COLLECTION The first Southern Pacific train reached Tucson in March, 1880, and July 3, 1887, the first train came to Phoenix, in this manner, according to the Phoenix Herald, "Captain Hancock drove the last spike closing the track, and then the train came into the depot. Three little Misses, Mabel Hancock, Serena and Cora Goodrich, rang the engine bell as it moved along." Yep, stranger, they ain't no doubt about it. Things is moving along mighty fast out here in the territory. But, shucks, the iron horse is a mere johnnie-come-lately. Folks has been traveling out this way and hauling supplies for a long time. Give me a good mule or a horse any day.

ARIZONA

The San Antonio and San Diego Semi-Monthly Stage Company began operating in 1858, and a year before that the first overland mail, carried by saddle animals, was begun. The first Butterfield Stage came through in the fall of '58, and six years before that the first steamer appeared on the Colorado River.

Most important of all, though, were the freight trains hauling supplies into the growing territory. It was a mighty profitable, but highly dangerous business. The freighters flourished in the '70's and when the train displaced the mule and horse a glorious chapter in the story of Arizona's transportation was brought to a close.

Matt Cavaness was a big freighter in territorial days. Here one of his outfits is at Filibuster Stage Station on southern road.

Initial development to the territory. Jerome almost overvited Verde was hauled in mule-drawn wagon trains.