Sanchez Homestead - Salt River Recreation Area

I went for a short stroll near the Salt River this morning and realized that although Summer has moderated somewhat, its still hot here in the Sonoran Desert.  During the Summer, I found a few old maps of the area and wanted to see if I could find some of the landmarks.  This morning I was looking for a site labeled "Sanchez" on the 1932 Dept of Interior General Land Office map which I assume was a homestead.

1932 Map of T2NR7E (Salt River Recreation Area)

I parked along the road to Coon Bluff in the Salt River Recreation Area and headed NNE.  I couldn't really find any of the old roads with any confidence but I could find the river bluff and then explore along it looking for signs of habitation.  Those signs are pretty sparse after 70 or 80 years.  I finally found a spot on some high ground near a boundary marker to T2NR7E and the intersections of Sections 3 & 4.  The first signs were rusty cans, some barbed wire scattered around the ground and piles of stones that could have been parts of an old foundation.  The boundary marker cinched it though.

Dwelling Outline?

Part of a Worn Horseshoe

Piece of Foundation?

Broken Cast Iron Stove Lid

Signs of Original Road?

Township (2N) and Range (7E) Marker within 100' of Site

I waited a bit late to get out and it was getting pretty toasty so while walking, I kept to the shady groves of mesquite.  The Salt River "wild" horse herd had the same idea.  I tried to avoid them but didn't have much luck.  They looked pretty good considering the long hot summer.  There were at least 2 colts and I didn't see much in the way of ribs showing.  I'm guessing that they were getting plenty to graze in and around the river.  I took a few pictures but the horses may be hard to pick out among the mesquite trees.

I hope to spend a lot more time in the area this fall.  There are a few more homestead sites to try and find.  I'd also like to research the BLM records for earlier sites and maybe grazing permits.  It might also be interesting to try and find out something about the homesteaders (Sanchez, Chavez and Monroy) on the 1932 map.  There are also apiaries (bee hives) shown on the 1932 map but I doubt that there would be any visible sign of them.

Oh well, hot or otherwise, its a beautiful day in Arizona.

Looking East from Coon Bluff Road

Adios