Near Patagonia in Santa Cruz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

John Ward's Ranch

Photographed By Tim Mello, November 7, 2009

1. John Ward's Ranch Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Arizona Pioneer Johnny Ward established a ranch here in 1858. In 1861 Indians kidnapped his Mexican stepson Felix Ward. Army officers assumed that local eastern Chiracahua Apaches were responsible, leading to the infamous conflict between Lt. Bascom and Cochise. In fact, the Pinal Band of the Western Apaches took Felix. John Ward died in 1867. The ranch was also the site of a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, a mining headquarters, a store, finally, a produce farm before it was abandoned in 1903

Erected 1991 by Interested Residents of the Region and Arizona Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 31° 30.686′ N, 110° 47.908′ W. Marker is near Patagonia, Arizona, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is on Patagonia Highway (Arizona Route 82 at milepost 16), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Patagonia AZ 85624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cady Hall (approx. 3.2 miles away); Patagonia Depot (approx. 3.3 miles away); Mowry Mine (approx. 3.4 miles away); Mission Guevavi (approx. 9.3 miles away); Camp Crittenden (approx. 11.8 miles away); Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino SJ (approx. 13½ miles away); Grand Ave - Frank Reed School (approx. 13.6 miles away); Camp Stephen D. Little (approx. 13.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Patagonia.

More about this marker. Marker is damaged with what appears to be bullet holes.

Regarding John Ward's Ranch. There is additonal newer information about the the Bascom Affair that appears to discredit the officers' account of this historic episode.

Also see . . . The Bascom Affair, Apache Pass - February 4, 1861. "One day in October, 1860, Apache Indians raided the ranch of John Ward on Sonoita Creek, plundered his house, took his son Mickey Free, and ran off all of his stock." (Submitted on November 8, 2009.)

Additional keywords. Bascom Affair

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 30, 2010

2. John Ward's Ranch Marker

Marker with stairs leading up to Telles Family Shrine.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 30, 2010

3. John Ward's Ranch Marker

Marker with stairs leading up to Telles Family Shrine.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Tim Mello of Patagonia, Arizona. This page has been viewed 5,163 times since then and 499 times this year. Last updated on November 12, 2009, by Tim Mello of Patagonia, Arizona. Photos: 1. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Tim Mello of Patagonia, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on January 31, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.