Croton Springs facts for kids

Croton Springs, once known as Nugent's Springs, are natural springs located in the Sulphur Springs Valley. They are found in Cochise County, Arizona, on the northwest edge of the Willcox Playa, which is a large dry lakebed. The springs sit at an elevation of 4,147 feet (about 1,264 meters) above sea level.

History of Croton Springs

Croton Springs were very important long ago. They served as a vital watering stop for travelers. Many wagon roads passed through the Sulphur Springs Valley. People and animals needed water on their long journeys.

A Stop on Wagon Roads

Starting in 1849, Croton Springs became a key stop. It was part of the "Tucson Cutoff" route. This route connected Cooke's Wagon Road in the Animas Valley to other water sources. Travelers would pass through places like Stein's Pass and Apache Pass. They would then cross the Sulphur Springs Valley and the Willcox Playa to reach these springs.

From Croton Springs, the route continued. It went through Nugent's Pass. Then it led to the San Pedro River. Finally, it connected to Cooke's Wagon Road again, which turned west towards Tucson, Arizona.

Named for John Nugent

For a while, the springs were called Nugent's Springs. This name came from John Nugent. He was a journalist who traveled through the area. He shared his notes about the first journey on the Tucson Cutoff. These notes helped an important railroad survey expedition in 1855.

Later Importance and Decline

By 1878, Croton Springs was still a known landmark. It was about 82 miles southeast of Fort Grant. It was also near a road connecting Tucson, Fort Bowie, and Dragoon Springs, Arizona.

However, over time, things changed. People in the valley started pumping a lot of water from underground. They used this water for farming and irrigation. This pumping caused the water level deep in the ground to drop. Because of this, the natural springs no longer flow today.