An oasis in the desert on the Mexican Border, the Ranch has an interesting history. Originally the San Bernadino Ranch, the area was visited in 1694 by the Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Kino. The famous Mormon Battalion passed through in 1846, and a flood of pioneers and prospectors traveled this southern route to California in 1849. Natural springs provide water to the oasis. In 1884, Texas John Slaughter acquired 65,000 acres for his cattle ranch, 2/3 of w
hich lay in Mexico. In 1886, just five years after the OK Corral shoot-out, he was elected Sheriff of Cochise County in Tombstone. He is credited with ridding the county of the bad element more than any other sheriff in history. It has been said that he was "judge, jury and executioner" all rolled up into one. He moved to the ranch after his second term, and built the present house in 1893.
hich lay in Mexico. In 1886, just five years after the OK Corral shoot-out, he was elected Sheriff of Cochise County in Tombstone. He is credited with ridding the county of the bad element more than any other sheriff in history. It has been said that he was "judge, jury and executioner" all rolled up into one. He moved to the ranch after his second term, and built the present house in 1893.
In 1911, the US established a military outpost just east of the pond at the beginning of the Mexican civil unrest, and maintained it until 1923. The Mexican Border is at the end of the pasture behind the barn. A mile beyond is Hwy 2 in Mexico, but we had to drive 13 miles of rough gravel/dirt road to reach the Ranch!
3 comments:
Very interesting stuff. It looks beautiful there (and peaceful).
Very cool! Wish I could join you on your adventures. It sure would beat the snowy day we're having here. Looking forward to seeing you guys in June.
Ah, the joys of travelling our great country and learning the history of many of the smaller places that you rarely hear about...boy am I jealous!!! :-)
Love you guys and keep the history leasons coming!
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