Beale's Crossing facts for kids
Beale's Crossing was an important spot where people could cross the Colorado River. It was located near the top of the Mohave Valley, connecting what is now Arizona (then part of New Mexico Territory) with California. This crossing was a key part of Beale's Wagon Road, a famous route built in the 1850s.
The crossing was named after Edward Fitzgerald Beale. He led the group that created this wagon road. Beale's Wagon Road stretched from Albuquerque, New Mexico, all the way to this crossing in California. From there, travelers could follow other old paths like the Mohave Trail or Old Spanish Trail to reach places like Fort Tejon, California. Today, the site of Beale's Crossing is where Fort Mohave was built, in what is now Fort Mohave, Arizona.
History of the Crossing
When Edward Beale's team first reached this spot, they needed a way to get across the wide Colorado River. They swam their camels, horses, and mules across. For their supplies, they built rafts to float everything over.
Soon, other pioneers and wagon trains started using Beale's new road. When they arrived at the crossing, they also needed rafts. They cut down trees along the riverbanks to build them. However, these trees were important to the local Mohave people, who used their bark for clothing. Cutting them down without permission made the Mohave people angry. This led to a conflict known as the Mohave War.
Fort Mohave and the Ferry
During the Mohave War, the U.S. Army built a military post called Camp Colorado right at Beale's Crossing. This camp was later renamed Fort Mohave. The fort was on the east side of the Colorado River.
After the fort was built, a ferry started operating there. This ferry helped people and goods cross the river safely. It was very important for the Mojave Road, which was a government supply route. This route brought supplies from Los Angeles all the way to Fort Mohave. From the fort, Beale's Wagon Road continued eastward through Union Pass to Beale Spring and deeper into northern New Mexico Territory. It connected to places like Fort Defiance, Zuni Pueblo, and Albuquerque.
The ferry at Fort Mohave was still in use for many years. Maps from as late as 1911 still showed it operating, proving its long-lasting importance for travel and trade in the region.
