Clifton

Clifton and Morenci were established during the late 1800s as mining towns. They are in eastern Arizona, near the New Mexico border. Clifton, incorporated in 1909, is the seat of Greenlee County and the birthplace of Geronimo, famous Apache warrior chief.

Eastern Arizona History

Long ago, the Anasazi Indians lived in Eastern Arizona. One of their communities was situated in Canyon de Chelly, near the town of Chinle. No one knows why the settlement was abandoned around 1300, but their cliff dwellings can still be seen today at Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

After the disappearance of the Anasazi, the Navajo tribe came to live in this region. Later, pioneers and miners arrived to create towns and build railroads. This invasion of the land caused problems with the tribes living in the area. Soon, a war broke out. A campaign led by Kit Carson in 1864 sent the Navajo to retreat into Canyon de Chelly. Eventually, all of the members of the tribe were sent to a fort in New Mexico. Later, they were returned to their homeland.

Not only were the Navajos involved war, but so were the Apaches. In 1873, the San Carlos Apache Indian Lands were created. Almost immediately afterward, a decision was made to send the Mohave, Yavapai and Chiricahua Apaches to this same Indian Land to live. This decision proved to be disastrous. Not all of these tribes were on friendly terms. It was only a matter of time before battles erupted. In 1876, Geronimo began his raids in the region.

It was during this same time that mining exploded in Eastern Arizona. Clifton built a copper smelter in 1872 and the combination of Clifton and Morenci made this area one of the oldest copper mining districts in the state.

Then a sliver strike in Globe caused more mining frenzy in 1876. As a matter of fact, the discovery of minerals around Globe caused an uproar. The mineral wealth was located on the San Carlos Indian Lands. The government made the decision to take the 12-mile strip of land back from the Indians. This reduced the size of the Indian Land and made way for mining operations.

Finally, in 1873, the other Indian tribes were relocated and the San Carlos Apache had the land to themselves. The Indian raids continued until the last of the Indian chiefs died or were captured.

To learn more about the towns in Eastern Arizona use Arizonan.com. There are many more stories to be told, especially in the town of Young, where one of the worst feuds in Arizona's history began.