| | -
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
|
| | |
|
| Car Camping | 8.00 Miles |
|
| | Car Camping | 8.00 Miles | 7 Days | | |
| | | |
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | This was a most enjoyable 6 nights at Camp Grasshopper - Redman Mesa. The large alligator junipers and oak trees which dot this high mesa provide shade as well as shelter from the wind. There were plenty of places to explore on day hikes out of camp. We only drove to hiking destinations on two of the 6 days.
The Guide description mentions the historic JR Ranch which can be seen in the distance on hikes out of camp. I always like to research the history of the areas where I go hiking so have spent some time looking for historical info on the area. I have not been able to find much historical information on this ranch. However I did find that a Moroni Hicks took out a homestead patent on that land on 7/15/1921. That ranch may have been settled much earlier, possibly by someone else. The Homestead Act was passed in 1862. Early ranchers and pioneers settled on land that they knew was included under that Homestead Act. However they could not complete a homestead claim until the land had been surveyed. The first survey the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) conducted on the JR Ranch area was in 1911. It laid out the Township boundaries and provided reference survey markers to do a more detailed survey of actual homestead applications within that Township. The actual survey for the JR Ranch wasn’t done until 1920 and it showed a ranch house, well and out buildings located pretty much where the current buildings are located.
Some research on Moroni Hicks came up with a 1920 census entry that showed him divorced and living most likely at that ranch with his son and daughter-in-law and a step daughter. Other records show him living elsewhere a few years before and a few years after so perhaps he sold it not long after getting his land patent.
I was wondering why it was called the JR Ranch. Ranches were often named after their registered cattle brand. The name would stick with the ranch even after the original owner had moved on. I found historical records which said a John Calvin Robbins (born about 1855) “bought a cow outfit near Gisela in 1889 and established the JR brand”. Gisela is near Payson and about 19 miles from JR Ranch. It would have been the nearest town in 1889 other than Young which may not have been established as an official town at that time. JR continued to be involved in the “cattle business” for some time but as more of an investor who had others run the ranches. Sometime after 1889 he moved to Phoenix. Perhaps he had been the original owner of the JR Ranch. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
