Filibusters Camp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Filibusters Camp
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Place
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 Filibusters Camp
Location in Arizona
Filibusters Camp
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Yuma |
| Elevation | 305 ft (93 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (MST (no DST)) |
Filibuster Camp is a historic place in Yuma County, Arizona. It was a camp located along the Gila River. This river was part of the Southern Emigrant Trail, a path many people used to travel west. The camp got its name from a failed "filibuster" mission that started there in 1856.
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What is a Filibuster?
A "filibuster" in this historical sense means someone who tries to take over a country or region without official permission. They often lead small, unofficial armies. These groups act on their own, not for any government.
The Story of Filibuster Camp
Henry Crabb's Expedition
Filibuster Camp got its name because of an event in 1856. A man named Henry A. Crabb led a group from this camp. They went into Sonora, Mexico. Crabb's goal was to help Ignacio Pesqueira gain power there.
At the time, some people thought Crabb wanted to conquer Sonora. They believed he was like William Walker. Walker was another filibuster who had tried to take over areas a few years earlier.
Crabb's mission did not go well. Crabb and most of his group were captured and lost their lives. The camp's former site is near Old Highway 80. It is east of Wellton, Arizona, on Wellton Mesa.
A Stop for Mail Coaches
Later, Filibuster Camp became a stop for the Butterfield Overland Mail. This was a famous stagecoach service. It delivered mail and passengers across the country. The stage station was close to the old camp.
This station operated in 1858 and 1859. It was 18 miles east of Swiveler's Station. It was also 19 miles west of Peterman's Station.
Later, a new station called Antelope Peak Station replaced Filibuster Camp Station. Antelope Peak Station was located at the foot of Antelope Peak. It was chosen because it had a better water supply. This was important in the desert region. Adding new stations helped shorten the distances between water stops. It also allowed for more frequent team changes for the horses.
