Klondyke Cemetery, AZ

Warning: The cemetery appears to be public, but to the best of my knowledge is surrounded by the Flying Diamond Ranch, and is fenced along Aravaipa Rd.

History: The Powers' Cabin Shootout, in 1918, was the Old West's last great gunfight. With the U.S. entry to World War I in 1917, there was a draft. In 1918, the Power boys were called up. They said they were told they were not needed, while local authorities claimed Old Man Power (Tom Sr.) convinced them to dodge the draft. When a posse showed up outside their cabin, a shootout ensued. Three of the four posse members were killed, as well as Old Man Power, while Tom Jr., John Power and family friend Tom Sisson escaped to Mexico. After the "largest manhunt in Arizona history", they were arrested, returned to the U.S., and sent to Florence. Tom Sisson died in prison, age 87, in 1957. Tom Jr. and John were paroled in 1960, then pardoned in 1969. Tom Jr. died in Sunset, AZ, in 1970 -- some say he was poisoned -- while John died in Aravaipa in 1976.

Hike: If you walk up the wash and jeep trail from Klondyke Rd., it is a half mile, 150 AEG, one way, walk. The entrance to the cemetery faces east, and the graves generally face southeast, so you will have good light for taking photographs. There are at least thirteen graves in the cemetery, three of which are unmarked. Old Man Power, his mother Martha, daughter Ola May, and sons John and Tom Jr. are buried there, as well as other various locals. The most recent memorialized burial is dated 1981. It would make a quick & interesting stop on your way to/from your hike to Powers Cabin.


Check out the Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2015-09-28 kingsnake