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Tales Of The Weaver Mountain Areas In Arizona Territory
Tales Of The Weaver Mountain Areas In Arizona Territory Author:Sheryl Christie There are several famous ghost towns in Arizona that get regular attention, but the Weaver Mountain area has a rich history with little recognition. Here's a look back to the days of gold discoveries, Indian unrest, stagecoaches and stage robberies, hard work, dust, heat, and all those things that were the Arizona Territories. The tales of these... more » early pioneers tell us what a hearty bunch they must have been. What remains of their history today gives us a glimpse into their lives. Can't you just picture the wagons bumping along and smell the horseflesh? It's an enjoyable relfection on yesteryear. (A chapter example on page 8): It was also in 1863 that a party of prospectors led by Abraham H. Peeples and guided by mountain man Pauline Weaver discovered small potato-sized nuggets of gold on a mountain top now known as Rich Hill located just southeast of present day Yarnell. Given the name Rich Hill, it was here that the richest known placer gold discovery was made in Arizona. The Peeples' party divided the top of Rich Hill into equal claims and formed the Weaver Mining District. The news of the Rich Hill gold strike traveled fast across the land and the camp at the base of Rich Hill grew by several dozen men every week, some of whom even brought their families to the harsh, rough, undeveloped country. Some folks came from as far away as the East Coast and a few even came from other countries. This area soon became known as Antelope Creek due to the abundant antelope that roamed the area at that time.« less