Gardner's Wells Station facts for kids

Gardener's Wells Station was an important stop for travelers in the 1800s. It was built in Baja California, a region in Mexico. This station was one of many wells created by the Butterfield Overland Mail company. These wells helped stagecoaches travel through the Colorado Desert between places like Cooke's Wells Station and Alamo Mocho Station. Having these wells meant travelers could use an easier route along the Alamo River, instead of a tougher path over Andrade Mesa.

A Busy Stop in the Desert

Gardener's Wells Station was a very active place until March 1861. At that time, the Butterfield Overland Mail route was closed. This happened because the American Civil War was starting, and the company switched to a different route.

Watering Place for Travelers

Even after the Butterfield route closed, Gardener's Wells remained important. It was still a vital watering spot for people traveling on the Southern Emigrant Trail. This trail was a popular path for settlers heading west.

A Military Post During the Civil War

During the Civil War, the station also served as a post for the Union Army. Soldiers used it when moving between California and Arizona Territory. It was a key location for military movements in the desert.

What Was the Station Like?

In 1861, a military officer named Lieut. Col. Joseph R. West wrote about the old station. He was marching with California Volunteers to Fort Yuma. He described the area in his journal:

November 1.- Left Alamo Station at 4.50 p.m.; road inferior. Gardner's Wells (old mail station, but water has failed), nine miles; thence by same character of road and country to Salt or Seven Wells, and camped. Water plenty, but brackish; wood abundant. Weather warm. Distance previous, 108 miles; distance to-day, 18 miles; distance in eight days, 126 miles.

He noted that the water at Gardener's Wells had "failed" at that time. However, he found plenty of water nearby at Salt or Seven Wells, even if it was a bit salty.

Later Years and Abandonment

Gardener's Well Station was used again by stagecoach lines from 1867 to 1877. Its use ended when the Southern Pacific Railroad reached Fort Yuma. Trains became the new way to travel, making stagecoach stations less necessary.

The Well's Final Days

After the railroad arrived, the station was abandoned. However, the well itself continued to be used for water. This lasted until 1905, when the Alamo River changed its course. Without the river nearby, the well eventually dried up or became unusable.

Gardener's Well Today

Today, Gardener's Well can still be found. It is located about three miles north of Querétaro, Baja California. It sits in the dry bed of what was once the Alamo River. It serves as a quiet reminder of a busy past.