PHOENIX (AP) - Sunday, July 15
On this date in 1859, Alexander John Chandler, first veterinary surgeon in Arizona, the introducer of long staple cotton, builder of the Consolidated Canal and San Marcos Resort Hotel and founder of Chandler, was born.
On this date in 1862, advance troops of the California Column were ambushed in Apache Pass by Indians led by Cochise and Mangus Coloradas. The Apaches were finally driven off, but they surrounded the spring in the pass, keeping the troops from the water. The Apaches were finally dislodged from the rocks around the spring with the use of howitzers which the Indians had never seen before.
On this date in 1865, three Hualapai chiefs granted right of way for the Mojave-Prescott toll road to William H. Hardy in exchange for $150 in merchandise.
On this date in 1883, the city of Mesa was incorporated.
On this date in 1898, Jean Baptiste Salpointe, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Arizona, died.
On this date in 1948, a state Supreme Court decision leads to American Indians gaining the right to vote in Arizona.
On this date in 1960, a Navajo forked pole hogan was tree ring dated to 1387, the earliest date on record.
Monday, July 16
On this date in 1847, the Mormon Battalion was mustered out after blazing the first wagon road through Arizona.
On this date in 1903, heavy rains hit the town of Ash Fork and the sidewalks floated down the street in 2 feet of water.
Tuesday, July 17
On this date in 1781, Father Francisco Garces was killed by Indians at his mission near Yuma.
On this date in 1882, the four-hour long “Battle of Big Dry Wash” was fought between the Apache Indians and U.S. Cavalry troops on Chevelon’s Fort.
On this date in 1935, the city of Phoenix purchased what is now Sky Harbor International Airport.
Wednesday, July 18
On this date in 1864, Charles D. Poston was elected Arizona’s first territorial delegate.
On this date in 1864, the Mowry Mines were sold at public auction for $2,000 by Gen. James H. Carleton who had ordered the mines confiscated on the charge that Mowry was a Confederate sympathizer.
Thursday, July 19
On this date in 1898, Gov. Myron H. McCord resigned from his office to lead a regiment in Cuba, and Nathan Oakes Murphy was appointed by President William McKinley to replace him.
Friday, July 20
On this date in 1917, lightning struck a tent occupied by Company I of the First Arizona National Guard at Naco splintering the stock of a rifle and causing several cartridges to melt and become soldered together without exploding.
On this date in 1920, tourists in Phoenix were warned that the gasoline supply in Arizona was so low that it would be unsafe for them to leave for the next stop west without a supply of 20 gallons of extra fuel for their tanks. Also on this date, rabbits damaged cotton fields in Safford to such an extent that a rabbit hunt was organized which eliminated 2,000 of them.
On this date in 1935, Willcox and Benson citizens circulated a petition asking for a special election to form a new county with Tombstone as the county seat.
On this date in 1996, the name of the road commonly known as the Beeline Highway was changed to the Duthie-Martin Highway in honor of two law enforcement officers who were killed on the road while on duty. The name was changed as a result of a resolution approved during the legislative session that year.
Saturday July 21
On this date in 1901, Burton C. Mossman was named captain of the Arizona Rangers and authorized to raise a company of 10 or 12 men to hunt cattle rustlers and other criminals.
On this date in 1903, a severe rainstorm between the Dragoon Mountains and Tombstone washed out six El Paso and Southwestern Railroad bridges and flooded Fairbanks with 6 feet of water.
On this date in 1917, two ladies, traveling east from California, left Tucson in a rage after being ordered to remain in their hotel until they were ready to leave town. Their offense was wearing masculine attire, particularly “very tight fitting pants.” One lady said, “We’ve been to Phoenix and nobody said a word to us.”
On this date in 1931, the Arizona State Motor Vehicle Division authorized copper license plates for automobiles.
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