Mesa in Maricopa County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Arizona's Honeymoon Trail

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, February 13, 2010

1. Arizona's Honeymoon Trail Marker

Inscription. For nearly forty years, couples from Arizona settlements left their homes each fall after harvest and traveled 400 miles to St. George, Utah. Winding slowly through desert and steep canyons, crossing barren plateaus, and passing rivers and pools of undrinkable water, these travelers made their way to be married in the St. George Temple, the only temple completed at that time. The trail followed the old wagon road across the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry. Couples from Snowflake and Taylor were the first known to make the trip in 1881. Some couples married in civil ceremony before leaving, while others were escorted by chaperones. A few couples, waiting to afford the trip, had children who accompanied them. Frequently couples banded together for the trip. Before leaving on the long, hazardous journey, wagons were loaded with food packed in grub boxes, and water barrels were mounted on the wagon sides. Supplies of hay and grain for the animals were also transported. When needed, settlers along the way furnished food and water from their meager supplies.

Because of the romantic nature of these adventures, reporter Will C.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Barnes gave the route its name, The Honeymoon Trail. After the Atlantic Pacific Railroad was completed in 1885, a few couples went by train, and later by auto. When the Mesa Arizona Temple was dedicated in 1927, the journey was no longer necessary. The old trail still is visible in a few places. The route was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This slender thread that connected the Arizona settlements to the St. George Temple became an enduring testimony to the faith of these settlers, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A pattern of sacrifice aided the pioneers in settling the Arizona and New Mexico wilderness.

Erected 2001 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers Maricopa East Company. (Marker Number 532.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 33° 24.949′ N, 111° 49.178′ W. Marker is in Mesa, Arizona, in Maricopa County. It can be reached from East Main Street. Marker is located in Pioneer Park between

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, February 13, 2010

2. Arizona's Honeymoon Trail Marker

North Lesueur Street and North Hobson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 526 East Main Street, Mesa AZ 85204, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sonoran Desert,

in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area,

and in the Tohono O’odham Nation.

It is also in the American Southwest.

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,

the Gadsden Purchase,

and Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mesa (a few steps from this marker); Mesa Pioneer Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Sirrine House (approx. ¾ mile away); The Alhambra Hotel (approx. 0.8 miles away); Zenos Co-Op (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mesa Woman's Club House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Pomeroy Building (approx. 0.9 miles away); Wayne C. Pomeroy (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mesa.

Also see . . . Washington County Historical Society. Route Map, History

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, February 13, 2010

3. Arizona's Honeymoon Trail Marker

Arizona's Honeymoon Trail Marker is on the left and the Mesa Marker is on the right, being viewed by a couple.

and Photos of the Honeymoon Trail. (Submitted on June 17, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,926 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of remnants of the trail located in Northern Arizona. • Can you help?