“In 1902 an Act of Congress officially opened for land claims what had previously been the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. One fellow, upon hearing the news, immediately rushed there to stake his claims on December 25, Christmas Day. He then rapidly rode on horseback to file them the next day at the government office.”
This eager beaver land claim is what gave Christmas, Arizona its name.
~The Naming of America by Allan Wolk
Nice post, I love anything about Arizona. It was actually two men who rushed to the area and named the claim; Crittenden and Mellor. In addition, two other claims had been made in the area prior to the Christmas, one in 1878 and the other in 1882. Both claims being on the Reservation, they were not successful.
Haven’t found much info on the people of Christmas Arizona and could use some help please. Were any of the mine workers Indians? Was there a school there for children and a church? My grandmother was born there. Gila County Historical Society doesn’t have much info unfortunately. The land of Christmas is fenced off and entrance is prohibited by current mining co.
Any help would be appreciated.