Near Willcox in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Faraway Ranch

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 4, 2020

1. Faraway Ranch Marker

Inscription.
Faraway Ranch represents a
transition from the wild, unsettled
frontier to a peaceful cattle and
guest ranch of the 20th century.
————————— In 1887, shortly after the final surrender of Geronimo, Neil and Emma Erickson set up a homestead here. When Neil became the first ranger of the Chiricahua Forest Reserve, Faraway Ranch served as his headquarters for several years.

Life at Faraway Ranch centered around cattle, but in the summer of 1917 Erickson's daughters introduced a second business – accommodating guests. Guests enjoyed walking, watching birds, and riding horses through the "Wonderland of Rocks" in the canyons near here. They were also free to watch or help with the cattle ranching chores.

Cattle and guest ranching operations sustained the life of the ranch until its owners became too well along in years to keep up with the daily turmoil. Today the heritage of Faraway Ranch is being preserved as part of Chiricahua National Monument.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 32° 0.481′ N, 109° 22.365′ W. Marker is near Willcox, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from Faraway Trail north of East Bonita Canyon Road. Marker is in the Chiricahua National Monument about 1/2 mile from the entrance station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willcox AZ 85643, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies.

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Ed Riggs (here, next to this marker); Neil and Emma Erickson (a few steps from this marker); Erickson Family Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Chiricahua Apache (approx. 0.9 miles away); Commanding Officer's Quarters (approx. 10.1 miles away); Cavalry Barracks (approx. 10.1 miles away); Infantry Barracks (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willcox.

Regarding Faraway Ranch. The National Park Service Chiricahua Canyon National Monument brochure states:
"Faraway Ranch was the home of Swedish immigrants, Neil and Emma Erickson, who settled in Bonita Canyon in the late 1880s.Their home evolved from a simple homestead to a thriving guest ranch that was in operation from 1917 to 1972. Explore the grounds on your own, or check at the visitor center for tour times of the house."

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010

2. Faraway Ranch Marker

<i>Photo on</i> Faraway Ranch Marker image. Click for full size.

circa June 4, 2020

3. Photo on Faraway Ranch Marker

Horseback riding was a popular activity for Faraway Ranch guests. This party was photographed in front of the main ranch house in May 1933.

Faraway Ranch Marker <i>at far right</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, June 4, 2020

4. Faraway Ranch Marker at far right

Ed Riggs Marker is in the center, and Neil and Emma Erickson Marker is at the far left.

National Register of Historic Places Plaque with Ranch House in Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010

5. National Register of Historic Places Plaque with Ranch House in Background

Faraway Ranch image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010

6. Faraway Ranch

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,468 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 8, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on March 8, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on March 8, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.