Springerville in Apache County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

James Hale Shooting

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010

1. James Hale Shooting Marker

Inscription. On Dec. 25, 1886, James Hale was gunned down here in front of the Brighton Saloon. His accused was never brought to trial. In 1894 this site, then called Hunter's Hall, held the first Presbyterian services in the Round Valley.

Erected 2002 by Round Valley Positive Action Tourism Committee and Springerville-Eagar Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Arizona, Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1931.

Location. 34° 7.968′ N, 109° 17.181′ W. Marker is in Springerville, Arizona, in Apache County. It is on South Mountain Avenue (Business U.S. 180), on the right when traveling south. Marker is about 300 feet south of East Main Street (US 60, US 180 and US 191). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springerville AZ 85938, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Mogollon Rim

and in the White Mountains.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Rio Theatre (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madonna of the Trail (about 400 feet away); Springerville World War I Memorial (about 500 feet away); White Mountain Hospital (about 500 feet away); Becker's Transcontinental Garage

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(about 500 feet away); Baldonado Home (about 700 feet away); Presbyterian & Catholic Churchs (about 800 feet away); Baca Home (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springerville.

More about this marker. This is Marker Stop #19 on the Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour.

Regarding James Hale Shooting. On Christmas Day, 1886, James Hale was shot to death here in front of the Brighton Saloon by what the St. Johns Herald called “reckless gunfire.” Witnesses reported that Billy Evans, also known as “Jack Diamond” and Jack Timberline”, shot Hale just to see if a bullet would go through a Mormon.
Source: The Pistols, Plows and Petticoats Historic Driving Tour Brochure.

Additional commentary.
1. Decendant
This is my Grandmother Thora Hale Rothlisbergers Great Grandfather. Thank you for this beautiful reminder of a Great Man of God. Charla

— Submitted December 7, 2010, by Charla LeAnn Neff Seger of Ulysses, Kansas.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, September 24, 2010

2. James Hale Shooting Marker

Sarah Elizabeth Barkdull Hale Headstone Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lisa Egglston

3. Sarah Elizabeth Barkdull Hale Headstone Marker

Five years prior his wife Sarah Hale died of tapeworm at the age of 49 and is buried near Sho Low, Arizona. She was the mother of 10 children.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,071 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on June 30, 2018, by Lisa Egglston of Sho Low, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.