Graham guardian., 1914-01-09
HALE CENTURY OLD
Arizona Came Into Existence
December 29, 1868, at
Navajo Springs

when the proclamation was read by
Governor Goodwin and the ceremon-
les Of organization were carried out
by the handful of officials and others
who accompanied the expedition
from the Eastern states.
In selecting this historic point for
the observance Of the congressional
act authorized a few months pre-
Viously, the gubernatorial party was
said to be in grave doubts as to
whether they were on the soil to be
included within the boundaries of
the zone taken from New Mexico,
and before the matter was officially
crystaIized, the pilgrimas hesitated
in casting the die to mould Arizona
into existence. The argument was
made that the divide had been un-
doubtedly passed over the day be-
fore, but no instruments being avail
able by which the metes and bound
ary were to be delineated, the scan
ming of the horizon from an elevated
point proved the site as within the
sphere of what was to be Arizona
afterward. Another feature of Ma
vajo Springs being chosen was the
abundance of water for the official
party and the few troopers of New
Mex co cavalry who acted as an es,
cort against a possible ambush of
the Apaches.
The scene around the circle when
the ceremonies began was an inspir-
ing one. The echo of the anvil ex-
plosions, the raising Of old Glory"
to the masthead, the mutual rejoic-
ing of the small party was patriotic,
simple and yet glorious one. With
Governor Goodwin was K. G. Nc
Cormick, secretary of Arizona; Chief
Justice Turner and not over a half
dozen other lesser officials. There
were only three freight wagons, a
score of followers on horseback in
civil life, who came to grow up"
with the country, and the military
command under Col. Frank Chavez,
of Santa Fe.
After two days of moulding the
future career of the old territory,
the customary legal matters were
partially placed in motion. A judicial
district was formed out of the entire
area, but where to locate the perma-
nent seat of government had vet to
be proclaimed. On the third day
the treking westward started and
when a point near and to the south
of the Frisco peaks was reached, a
detour over the Mogollon mountains
to the Verde valley was decided up
on.
Reaching the river, climbing con-
ditions were agreeable after wan
dering tortuously through the snow,
and finally Chino valley was reached,
where the party went into temporary
camp to start the machinery to NOV
ing for the future. In the mean
time, the body was in doubt as to
where they were, officially speaking.
Adobe walls were slammed together
as a barrier against being attacked
by Indians, camp was crudeIy
built, and other requirements per-
fected to begin business. Finally
the curtain was lifted and from
Washington came advices to locate
the permanent seat of government
of Arizona at Prescott, and in ac-
cordance with the survey made sew
eral months before by Surveyor
General Clark. of Drum Barracks,
CAL, now Wilmington, who had re-
ported and gave instructions as to
the identity of the locality he con-
sidered as favorable one.
The official order to this end was
made by Governor Goodwin from
from his office" in Chino valley,
accordingly. and early in 1864 the
first contract of Arizona was signed,
sealed and delivered for the erec-
ton of the gubernatorial mansion
in Prescott. The site chosen was
among the pines, a few hundred
feet to the west of the present Cur
ley street bridge, where log build
ing was built and later occupied.
This historic office has given way to
the ravages of time, and while it
remains intact, its old markings
have been effaced from memory by
being sheathed with a touch of
modern adornment. Dan Hatz. who
resides in Prescott. was one of the
contractors and is still in fine fettle.
Before the gubernatorial party
broke camp" in Chino valley, the
first newspaper published in Arizona
heralded the advent of a long felt
want" when the Arizona Miner was
born on March 9, 1864. This was
the first and last issue of the paper
at that place. The little Ramage
press and the handful of paper and
material was packed on a few mules
and the outfit moved ahead of the
procession, and unloaded on Granite
street into a single room log hut.
1t was the official organ of the Ter
ritory, and it was published weekly |