Big Sandy Valley

Photographed by Richard Wisehart, July 8, 2009

1. Big Sandy Valley Marker

Inscription. First exploration probably by early Spanish explorers, Espejo in 1582 and Farfan in 1589. Explored later by Lt. Amiel W. Whipple in 1854. Important agriculture, mining, milling, and smelting area in our early days. The McCrackin Mine discovered by Jackson McCrackin and H. A. "Chloride Jack" Owen in 1874, lies 18 miles south. The Signal Mine was 12 miles south. Stamp mills were at Greenwood, 8 miles southwest and at Virginia City, 9 miles southwest. Cofer Hot Springs 3 miles east.

Erected 1966 by Arizona Highway Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Antonio de Espejo Entrada of 1582-1583 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1582.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 34° 43.44′ N, 113° 36.881′ W. Marker was near Wikieup, Arizona, in Mohave County. It was on U.S. 93, on the right when traveling north. Marker is 1.2 miles north of Wikieup, AZ. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Wikieup AZ 85360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Arizona’s Colorado River Valley.

It was also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

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Photographed by Richard Wisehart, July 8, 2009

2. Big Sandy Valley Marker

View is easterly with US Highway 93 is in foreground. Wikieup, AZ is 1.2 miles to the south (right).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 4, 2018

3. Big Sandy Valley Marker

Marker is missing

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 4, 2018

4. Big Sandy Valley Marker

Marker is missing

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. This page has been viewed 11,776 times since then and 297 times this year. Last updated on October 2, 2013, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2018, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.