Cottonwood in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Hickey Ditch Diverts Water
Agricultural "Ditches" Have Been Used for Years
Photographed by James Hulse, June 19, 2024
1. The Hickey Ditch Diverts Water Marker
Modern use of ditches began in the late 19th century when the area's economy, with the exception of the Jerome mines, was dependent on agriculture. Early ditches were private canals that watered between 10-40 acres of land.
The Hickey Ditch was established by R. W. Pleasant and Issac C. Jones in 1874. It delivered irrigation water to as many as 175 acres. This ditch is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) in length and is one of the few ditches that supply water to lands on both sides of the Verde River.
The farmland that contained the ditch was sold to the State of Arizona in 1973 and developed into Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Water from the ditch is used to supply the lagoons and to irrigate green recreation areas. A portion of the original ditch is a walking trail that leads visitors through a canopy of Willow; Netleaf Hackberry, Arizona Black Walnut, and Mesquite trees.
Today, there are
this page online
How You Can Help the Verde River
The Verde River, one of Arizona's last free-flowing rivers, flows through 36 miles of riparian habitat in the Verde Valley. This protected stretch of river is called the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area.
This unique habitat supports many species of birds and wildlife, including 20 threatened or endangered species (such as the southwestern bald eagle, southwestern willow flycatcher, and lowland leopard frog). The forest area is made up of Cottonwood and Willow.
The Friends of Verde River Greenway connects volunteers and other non-profit organizations to protect this area. The group focuses on riparian habitat restoration, invasive tree removal, and boots on the ground volunteer activities. Learn more at VerdeRiverGreenway.org
Captions
The Hickey Ditch diverts water from the Verde River to various locations throughout the park.
"As long as the River flows, life will be good." -Mary Sine, Yavapai-Apache, 1930
The Verde River is the source of water for area ditches.
Erected by Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Photographed by James Hulse, June 19, 2024
2. The Hickey Ditch Diverts Water Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 34° 45.185′ N, 112° 0.972′ W. Marker is in Cottonwood, Arizona, in Yavapai County. It is on Dead Horse Ranch Road. The marker is located in the Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1217 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood AZ 86326, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Verde Valley. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named The Hickey Ditch Diverts Water (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Lime Kiln Historic Wagon Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Caring for Traces of the Past (approx. 1.2 miles away); Clues
Photographed by James Hulse, June 19, 2024
3. The Hickey Ditch and Marker
More about this marker. There are duplicates of this markers within the park.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 379 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
