Crossing Arizona

Hanchett, Lee J.

ISBN 10: 0963778579 / ISBN 13: 9780963778574

Published by Pine Rim Publishing, Phoenix, Arizona, 2002

About this Item

Black boards with gilt embossing on the spine. Dust jacket with a painting on the front cover. Very good condition. The exploration of Arizona from 1699-1863 by individuals from the United States. Information is accompanied by photographs, illustrations, and informative journal entries from first-hand accounts. ; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 438 pp. Seller Inventory # 019444

Bibliographic Details

Title: Crossing Arizona

Publisher: Pine Rim Publishing, Phoenix, Arizona

Publication Date: 2002

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Marcia Jeglum

Edition: First Edition; First Printing.

About this title

Synopsis:

For over a century and a half, from Coronado's search for Cibola in 1540 until Padre Eusebio Kino came on the scene, that region now known as Arizona was an enigma even to the Spaniards who claimed to possess it. Braving Native Americans, a treacherous climate and unbelievably rugged landscapes, it would take a man of Kino's courage and compassion to learn that Arizona provided a viable land link from Mexico to California. It would be another seventy-five years before Kino's knowledge would be put to use in guiding the group destined to settle San Francisco across the desert wasteland. Fifty more years would pass before the Americanos, in the form of mountain men, would trap their way down the Gila River. Only then could Kino's accomplishment be put to good use as the Army of the West and eventually California bound gold seekers crossed Arizona on the way to the Golden State. But this was only the beginning. Explorers and surveyors would trudge from east to west or west to east to learn the value of what the United States had won and purchased from Mexico. A railroad was envisioned, but instead, the first overland stage was completed prior to the start of the Civil War. As the war progressed, California volunteers would race to Arizona to reclaim the new territory from the secessionist. Finally, men and eventually families returned from California to Arizona to exploit its mineral wealth and range lands. Portions of 30 diaries or journals of people who actually crossed Arizona are included to depict how Arizona was perceived from 1699 until 1863. Maps of the region show their routes while pen and ink sketches reveal the person who came this way. Landscape sketches by artists accompanying the government expeditions are also included. Forty six color photographs round out the presentation.

About the Author:

Lee Hanchett is a retired engineer and entrepreneur who just can't get enough of the history of the Western United States. Lee Hanchett has written six books on Arizona history and one on Montana history.