1876 Arizona Territory 6 pg Letter Water Ditchs Mining

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

6 page letter written by Wm. J. Young in Arizona Territoy signed with his enithals WJY . -------------- Letter date lined Phoenix Aug 9th Dear Carrie & Eddie -- hearing in the three weeks i have been had oppertunity to examine the resources of this valley , to some extent. I write you my impressions. T are two incorporated ditches now in use - They this year have irrigated 5000 or 5500 acres. They will be increased + in capacity - so as next year to irrigate 7500 - 8000 acres The land is of the very best -reality. Anotherditch is projected of a capsity of 10,000 or 12,000 acres but i do not think it will be available for next years crop - The land is very level and easily irrigated price of water is 75cts per acre - The well ditch agrees to supply at 50cts. The town is pleasantly laid out - has ditches and trees on both sides of every street. Good lands are still open to preemption at a distance of 5 or 6 miles from town and that can be watered by the present enlargement of the ditches - Farming is done without fencing. Wheat & Barley are the fences. pal crops - Corn is grown but does not as well as in the higher valleys. Grapes and peaches do well and are already to some extent shipped from the valley to the mines for which purpose they are worth 10cts at the ranches. Melons in great abundance are retailed at 10 @ 15cts. Alfalfa does well - t are three grist mills in the valley. This is the principle agricultural valley in the territory and other counties and the mining parts of this country must depend upon for flour grain pork = fruit. For grazing purposes sheep , cows C the mountains are better - The climate is not as hot as Gila or Colorado valleys but warm enough for the semi-tropical fruits. The natural growth of the valley is principaly Mers quit. a Tree of the locust species from one to two days work will clear an acre when the - (page #4) land is ready for the plow. The Mesquit Mesquit is i think the correct orthogocphy produes a bean which in its - season furnishes food for cattle horses and hogs - present prices are Grain 3 @ 3 1/2 cts LB - Flour 6 -Butter 75 - milk 50 @ 75 a gallon -Bacon 40 LB -fruit 10 @12 " I Think present prices for principle products will be mantained for many years as the agricultural development will scarcely exceed the increase of mining enterprise. In the mountains 15 miles north of this place good mines are discovered but are not (Page #5) yet worked - Thirty or 35 miles from near Camp Mc Dowell one very productive mine is now worked - others in the vicinity are being opened. The King mine 60 miles S.E. is prospected for about 100ft in large and rich - Hundreds of tons of ore has been shipped to San F w it is worth about $600. per ton. - The great hope of the country is in the Globe dist about 90 miles east of -On the Tonto a tributary of salt river - a friend of minejust from t is in extacie with delightful mountains climate - rich mines splendid water - abundant grass 2 or 3ft high - profusion of flowers of every hill = character. Rain in this country falls principaly in July and August and in the ( page #6) Mountains much more Abroudantly than in the valley - hence the profusion of grasses and flowers for the greater part of the year. The Mines of the dist like in fact all in the territory are but prospects - none being open for more than 150 ft - but judging by the analgies ( Which are to be found in Mexico rather than Cala or Nev. ) We have reason to think they are rich and permanant this is at present the rising country giving promise of mineral wealth and about agricultural resources to supply the probable demand for farming products. Ever Yours W J Y ( William J. Young )------------------ Some History backgrown of William J. Young - was a traveling photographer and partner (mentor) of G.H. Rothrock. Wm J. Young died in the latter part of ( Nov.)1876 at Phoenix Arizona. Letter addressed to C.F. Young his wife & step son Eddie (Robert Eddie Bush) . read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.