Bradshaw Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bradshaw Mountains |
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The Bradshaw Mountains seen from the peak of
Mount Union |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Union (Arizona) |
| Elevation | 7,979 ft (2,432 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 40 mi (64 km) north-south |
| Geography | |
 Bradshaw Mountains
Location in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Precambrian |
| Type of rock | granite and schist |
The Bradshaw Mountains are a mountain range located in central Arizona, United States. They were named after two brothers, Isaac and William D. Bradshaw. Before this, they were known as the Silver Mountain Range.
Contents
History of the Bradshaw Mountains
The first known people to live in the Bradshaw Mountains were the Yavapai people. A group called the Kwevkapaya lived there from about 1100 to 1600 AD. They built forts and mined copper. They called these mountains Wi:kañacha, which means "rough, black range of rocks."
Later, in 1863, a group known as the Walker Party discovered gold here. This discovery quickly brought many settlers to the area. People came to mine for gold, silver, and copper. By the early 1900s, many of the towns that had grown up around the mines became ghost towns. This happened as the mines ran out of valuable minerals.
Geography of the Bradshaw Mountains
The Bradshaw Mountains are about 5 miles (8 km) south of Prescott, Arizona. They are located between the Agua Fria River to the east and the Hassayampa River to the west. The mountain range is about 40 miles (64 km) long. It is also nearly 25 miles (40 km) wide.
Tallest Peaks
The Bradshaw Mountains have several important peaks. Here are some of the highest ones:
- Mount Union is the highest point. It stands at 7,979 feet (2,432 m) tall. It was named during the American Civil War.
- Mount Davis is the second highest peak. It reaches 7,897 feet (2,407 m). It was named after Jefferson Davis.
- Mount Tritle is 7,793 feet (2,375 m) high. This peak was named for Frederick Augustus Tritle. He was the Governor of Arizona Territory from 1882 to 1885.
- Spruce Mountain is 7,696 feet (2,346 m) tall. It was misnamed because people thought the Douglas fir trees were spruces.
- Towers Mountain reaches 7,628 feet (2,325 m).
- Maverick Mountain is 7,443 feet (2,269 m) high.
- Mount Wasson stands at 4,687 feet (1,429 m).
Geology of the Mountains
The Bradshaw Mountains are mostly made of very old rocks. These rocks formed during the Precambrian era. The main types of rocks found here are granite, gneiss, and schist. These are all strong, hard rocks.
Nature and Wildlife
The Bradshaw Mountains are home to many different types of plants and animals. The plant life changes depending on the elevation. You can find chaparral plants and conifer forests. There are also open plains and desert grasslands. Even Sonoran Desert plants grow here.
Many kinds of trees grow in the Bradshaws. These include Piñon trees and Alligator Juniper. You can also find Ponderosa pine, Blue Spruce, and Quaking Aspen. Other trees include White fir and Douglas fir.
The mountains are also full of wildlife. You might see javelina (a type of wild pig) and mountain lions. There are also bobcats, black bears, and mule deer. Smaller animals like porcupines, foxes, and skunks live here too. You can also find abert's squirrels, rock squirrels, and wild turkeys. Many types of reptiles, amphibians, and birds also call the Bradshaws home.
Several creeks in the mountains have been dammed. These dams create reservoirs, which are like artificial lakes. Some of these lakes include Lynx Lake, Goldwater Lake, and Horsethief Lake.
How People Use the Mountains
People have used the Bradshaw Mountains for mining for a long time. Gold was first found here in 1863. The Crown King Mine alone produced over $2,000,000 worth of gold. Copper and silver were also mined in the early 1900s. The Poland Junction silver mine is located inside Mount Union. Its entrance is now sealed, but it could be reached from Poland Junction. This area is near Walker.
Old Towns and Ghost Towns
The Bradshaw Mountains are famous for their many ghost towns. A ghost town is a town that has been abandoned. This often happens when the mines that supported the town run out of minerals. There are over 40 ghost towns in this mountain range. Some examples include Crown King, Bumble Bee, and Cleator.
Protected Areas
A large part of the Bradshaw Mountains is protected land. Much of it is part of the Prescott National Forest. This means the land is managed to protect its natural beauty and resources. Other protected spots include Horsethief Basin Recreational Area and Lynx Lake Recreational Area. The Castle Creek Wilderness is also found here. These areas offer places for people to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
