Woolsey Butte, AZ

History
With an elevation of 7,296, this obscure Supai summit in the Eastern end of Grand Canyon is named for King. S. Woolsey, an early Arizona Pioneer.


Woolsey "explored the Hassayampa River for gold back in 1863, homesteaded and established the Agua Fria Ranch near present-day Dewey, AZ"

In 1864, while Woolsey and other men were tending to their mining claims in the Bradshaw's, the settlers were approached by a large group of Natives.
Woolsey called for a parlay but first he hid a sack of poisoned Pinole (Pine nuts) nearby. The natives found the sack, ate of it then slowly began to feel the effects during the peace talk...Woolsey and the settlers opened fire on the Natives...this became known as The Pinole Massacre.

In 1873 Woolsey introduced a series of resolutions which led to the Democratic Party in Arizona Territory.

Woolsey died of a heart attack at his ranch in 1879. His gravesite can be visited in the Pioneer Memorial Park in Phoenix, AZ.

Woolsey Butte was named so by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 1932.

USGS says of Woolsey "He was a pioneer, mule driver, rancher, Indian fighter, road builder and friend of Juan Chiavria (a noted friendly Maricopa Indian chief).

Warning
There are NO water sources on this off trail traverse. Bring PLENTY.




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2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot