Dragoon Wash, a stream tributary to the San Pedro River, in Cochise County, Arizona. It has its source just southwest of the town of Dragoon. 32°01′21″N 110°02′46″W / 32.02250°N 110.04611°W It runs southwesterly to meet the San Pedro River. [1]
History
Dragoon Wash originally appeared on an 1855 Railroad Survey map, with the name Quercus Canyon, named for the oaks that appear along its course. [2] Its valley and stream bed provided the route shortest route between Dragoon Springs and the San Pedro River, through the Dragoon Pass between the Dragoon Mountains and Little Dragoon Mountains. From the mouth of Dragoon Wash the San Pedro River Crossing was 5 or 6 miles northward on the east bank of the San Pedro River. This route was used by the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line, Butterfield Overland Mail, and subsequent stage lines. [3] The Butterfield Overland Mail [4]
References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Dragoon Wash
- ^ Map, From the Pimas Villages to Fort Fillmore by Lieut. John G. Parke, Topl. Engrs. assisted by Albert H. Campbell, Civil Engineer and N.H. Hutton, H. Custer and G.G. Garner. 1854 & 55., Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for a Railroad From the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made Under the Direction of the Secretary of War, In 1853-56, According to Acts of Congress of March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854. Volume XI. Washington: George W. Bowman, Printer. 1861. 36th Congress, 2d Session, Senate, Ex. Doc.
- ^ Distance between Dragoon Springs and San Pedro Crossing 24 miles. Table of distances from Texas Almanac, 1859, Book, ca. 1859; digital images, ( http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth123765/ accessed November 12, 2013), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association, Denton, Texas
- ^ List of Stations from New York Times, October 14 1858, Itinerary of the Route