08 Sep, 2009

Wickenburg’s Botanical Incarcerator

Posted by: SamLowe In: Dose of History|Natural Surroundings

Right in the middle of downtown Wickenburg, there’s an old mesquite tree that folks around town say has been there longer than anyone can remember. Local historians who check into such things say it’s more than 200 years old, and claim they have evidence to prove it. They also say it once served as the community’s only jail.

17 tree-smallA sign next to the ancient tree supports the claim. It says: “From 1868 to 1890, outlaws were chained to this tree for lack of a hoosegow. Escapees were unknown.”

The tree, located at the corner of Highway 60 and Tegner Street, is now the centerpiece of a pedestrian walkway that was dedicated in 2003.

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3 Responses to "Wickenburg’s Botanical Incarcerator"

1 | Lester LeMay

September 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am

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Have seen and enjoyed this. Have you done an article on the Hassayampa River water legend? That if you drink it you will never tell the truth again?

2 | AndreaAker

September 10th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

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Ah! That sounds interesting. Where did you first hear of this legend?

3 | North Phoenix Blog

September 14th, 2009 at 8:03 pm

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I have also heard that story about the Hassayampa River. I think I first read it at the Wickenburg-AZ blog. It’s a very entertaining read:

http://www.wickenburg-az.com/?p=187

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