Bradshaw's Ferry facts for kids

Bradshaw's Ferry was a very important ferry that helped people cross the Colorado River. It was a key part of the Bradshaw Trail, a famous route that connected California to the gold mining areas in what is now Arizona. The ferry operated at different places over time, including Olive City, Mineral City, and Ehrenburg. It linked the Bradshaw Trail to the busy gold rush towns like La Paz. Later, from 1863, it also connected to the La Paz - Wikenburg Road, which led to new mining towns deeper inside Arizona Territory.

How the Ferry Helped the Gold Rush

Bradshaw's Ferry was super important during the Colorado River Gold Rush. Imagine people rushing to find gold! They needed a way to cross the big Colorado River. This ferry made it possible. It helped miners, supplies, and goods travel between California and the new goldfields in Arizona. It was like a bridge, but on water, making travel much faster and safer than trying to cross the river on your own.

Starting the Ferry Service

The ferry was started by a man named William D. Bradshaw. He was the one who first found the path for the Bradshaw Trail. Soon after, he teamed up with William Warringer from La Paz. They decided to set up a ferry at a spot called Providence Point. This spot was right across the river from Olive City, which was close to La Paz, a big gold mining town.

Spreading the Word

After setting up the ferry, William Bradshaw went back to Los Angeles. He wanted everyone to know about his new route and the ferry. So, he put an announcement in a newspaper called the Los Angeles Star. This told people about the new road he had made through San Gorgonio Pass and about the ferry that would take them to the goldfields at the end of the trail.

Rules and Changes Over Time

On November 7, 1864, the government of the Arizona Territory made some rules for the ferry. They decided how much the ferry could charge. For example, it cost $4.00 for a wagon with two horses. A person walking paid $0.50. They also said the ferry could operate for up to twenty years!

Where the Ferry Operated

At first, the ferry was at Olive City. Then, in 1864, it moved to Mineral City. Finally, from 1866, it operated from Ehrenburg. Ehrenburg became the main town, replacing Olive City and Mineral City. William Bradshaw himself didn't run the ferry for long. He left the daily work to his brother, Isaac. William Bradshaw passed away in 1864. Isaac Bradshaw later sold his share of the ferry business in 1867.