Near Willcox in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010
1. The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers Marker
pioneers, they came when only the
brave dared come: they stayed
where only the valiant could stay."
Swedish immigrants, Neil and Emma Erickson married in 1887 and established a homestead not far from here. Known as Faraway Ranch, it was one of the first permanent settlements in this area. The ranch is located about a mile east of here along the park road.
The Ericksons' first child, Lillian, was born at Fort Bowie. Two more children, Ben and Hildegarde were born at the ranch house nearby. All except Lillian are buried here in the Erickson family cemetery.
Family members eventually left to pursue careers elsewhere, but Lillian Erickson remained to become the "Lady Boss of Faraway Ranch." In 1923 she married Ed Riggs, and together they operated a guest ranch where visitors could enjoy the beauty of this "wonderland of rocks." The interest they generated in the area led to the establishment of Chiricahua National Monument in 1924.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 32° 0.5′ N, 109° 23.262′ W. Marker is near Willcox, Arizona
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Erickson Family Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Neil and Emma Erickson (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ed Riggs (approx. 0.9 miles away); Faraway Ranch (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Chiricahua Apache (approx. 1.8 miles away); Commanding Officer's Quarters (approx. 9.8 miles away); Cavalry Barracks (approx. 9.8 miles away); Infantry Barracks (approx. 9.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willcox.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010
2. The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 3, 2010
3. The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers
The Erickson family on a picnic here in Bonita Canyon in the late 1800s. From left to right: Hildegarde, Emma, Neil, and Ben. Not shown is Lillian Erickson Riggs who is buried in the Riggs family cemetery a few miles west of here.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,419 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
