All roads converged to Maricopa Wells

Editor’s note:  Maricopa factoids will be a regular feature on InMaricopa.com. They are provided by the Maricopa Historical Society, a branch of the Friends of the Maricopa Public Library. Most of the photos and information come from “Reflections of a Desert Town” by author and historical society chairperson Patricia Brock. 

The population of Maricopa Wells was 68 in the 1870 census. This census listed not only Native Americans, but also people from around the world:  Ireland, Germany, England, Mexico, Canada and throughout the United States.  The census taken at later dates depicted the same cultural diversity.  Its people were… and are today… visionaries, opportunists and individualists. 

Located on the southern banks of the Gila River, Maricopa Wells was a haven for thousands of travelers who followed the southern trail across Arizona in the 1800s. The nearby Gila River flowed freely with dozens of species of wildlife that included geese, ducks, beaver and plenty of fish. Cottonwood trees and willows bordered and draped its banks, and, in some spots, the woodlands were so thick that the river was not visible.

The 1870s were the most prosperous times at Maricopa Wells partly due to the construction of a road up north that provided the first Arizona Mail Route into Phoenix. Great freighting trains of three or four wagons with from eight to 16 mules were frequently camped at the “Wells.” Eventually, Maricopa Wells became the division point for all of Phoenix, Fort McDowell and the northern mining areas. Whether traveling from Tucson to Yuma or north to the mines or to the Phoenix area–all roads converged to Maricopa Wells. 

The words of Arizona pioneer James M. Barney in an Arizona Highways article, published in June of 1936, described the tiny frontier settlement of Maricopa Wells:  “No more historic spot exists in all this southwestern country than the site that once –in a now far distant day –was the lively and flourishing stage station of Maricopa Wells. In its day –a day of glory and romance –Maricopa Wells was the vibrant center of business activity for the entire Territory of Arizona.” 

Photo courtesy of Patricia Brock