Big Bear, CA
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Gleeson Gunfight – March 5, 1917
The Gleeson Gunfight (also known as the Gleeson Shootout) occurred on the night of March 5, 1917, near Gleeson in Cochise County, southeastern Arizona. It is widely regarded as one of the last traditional gunfights of the Old West, taking place during the transition to the modern era marked by automobiles, World War I, and statewide Prohibition.
Background and Context
Gleeson was a small mining town in the Courtland-Gleeson Mining District, known for copper and turquoise. By 1917, the area had quieted from its earlier boom days but remained active with mining and border-related activities.
Arizona had gone “dry” on January 1, 1915, banning the sale and manufacture of alcohol. However, neighboring Mexico and parts of New Mexico remained “wet,” turning the U.S.-Mexico border and areas like Cochise County into major smuggling corridors for bootleggers.
Harry C. Wheeler, a former captain in the Arizona Rangers and then Sheriff of Cochise County, was a staunch enforcer of Prohibition. A nationally recognized champion marksman, Wheeler and his deputies frequently patrolled the border regions and had been involved in several prior shootouts with smugglers.
The Gunfight
On March 5, 1917, Sheriff Wheeler and his deputy, Lafe Gibson, had spent the day searching the Chiricahua Mountains for smugglers. Exhausted after dark, they pulled their 1915 Oldsmobile Touring Car off the road about two miles east of Gleeson, near the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, and camped for the night.
They were ambushed shortly after settling down. A gang of at least four Mexican alcohol smugglers, positioned behind rocks about 200 yards away, opened fire. The first shot shattered the car’s windshield.
Wheeler and Gibson returned fire. Wheeler, armed with a rifle and a box of ammunition, took a position on the railroad berm. Gibson had only his revolver and belt ammunition. The smugglers advanced under cover of darkness, closing to within 50 yards while shouting taunts like “We’ll fix you gringos!” and “Come and get us now!”
The full moon initially silhouetted the lawmen, giving the attackers an advantage. After exchanging roughly 100 shots, Wheeler waited for the moon to set. When one smuggler nearly hit him, Wheeler aimed at the muzzle flash and fired six rapid shots from his rifle. He struck the man, who groaned audibly, halting the smugglers’ advance.
Once the moon dipped below the horizon, Wheeler and Gibson charged the attackers’ position. The smugglers had fled, abandoning their camp. The lawmen found four burros loaded with ten cases of whiskey. A large pool of blood and drag marks (knee and elbow prints) indicated at least one smuggler was seriously wounded (possibly killed), though no body was recovered. Horse tracks led toward the Chiricahua Mountains.
Aftermath and Capture
Wheeler and Gibson drove their damaged car to nearby Courtland and telegraphed for reinforcements. Chief Deputy Guy Welch arrived from Tombstone with additional men and supplies.
Knowing the smugglers would likely try to cross into Mexico via Apache Pass, the posse pursued them. They captured two members of the gang, including leader Santiago Garcia, who were jailed in the Gleeson Jail. Garcia later claimed they mistook the lawmen for rival bootleggers trying to hijack their load. The remaining smugglers escaped across the border.
The confiscated whiskey was taken to Tombstone. The Gleeson gunfight was Sheriff Wheeler’s final shootout. He later resigned to serve in World War I, returned, ran unsuccessfully for sheriff again, and died in 1925.
Historical Significance
The Gleeson Gunfight symbolizes the end of an era. While earlier famous shootouts like the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1881) occurred in a lawless frontier, this 1917 event involved automobiles, Prohibition smuggling, and a shift toward modern law enforcement — yet it retained the classic elements of an Old West ambush and firefight.
The restored Gleeson Jail (built in 1909–1910) still stands today as a tangible link to this history and the broader mining and law enforcement stories of Cochise County. The event is remembered in local histories, ghost town tours, and accounts of Arizona’s Prohibition-era border conflicts.
This relatively minor but dramatic confrontation highlights the ongoing challenges of border control, smuggling, and law enforcement in early 20th-century Arizona.
Inyo National Forest
Inyo National Forest is a vast and spectacular United States National Forest in the eastern Sierra Nevada of California, with a small portion extending into western Nevada. Established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it covers approximately 1.9 million acres (about 2,974 square miles) and stretches roughly 165 miles along the California-Nevada border, between the Los Angeles and Reno areas.
It is often described as a “land of superlatives” due to its extraordinary natural features:
- Mount Whitney — the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,494–14,505 feet.
- The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains, home to the oldest living trees on Earth (some over 4,000–5,000 years old).
- Mono Lake, one of the oldest inland lakes in North America.
- Dramatic eastern Sierra escarpment, high desert landscapes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.
Geography and Ecology
The forest primarily occupies the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and parts of the White Mountains. Elevations range from about 4,000 feet in the Owens Valley to over 14,000 feet at the highest summits. It includes nine designated wilderness areas protecting over 800,000 acres, such as the popular John Muir Wilderness.
Despite its name, much of the forest is relatively sparsely wooded compared to other national forests, as it encompasses significant high-desert and alpine terrain. It features over 400 lakes, more than 1,100 miles of rivers and streams, and diverse habitats supporting species like bighorn sheep, golden trout, and unique high-elevation flora.
Recreation and Attractions
Inyo National Forest offers year-round outdoor opportunities:
- Hiking and Backpacking — Iconic trails, including routes to Mount Whitney. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail pass through sections of the forest.
- Winter Sports — Skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Mammoth Mountain, plus groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
- Water Activities — Excellent fishing, boating, and scenic visits to Mono Lake.
- Other Pursuits — Mountain biking, off-roading (with thousands of miles of roads and trails), camping, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Popular destinations within or adjacent to the forest include Mammoth Lakes, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Schulman Grove), and various scenic drives and campgrounds.
Management and Access
The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and divided into northern and southern zones with multiple ranger districts. It borders areas near Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, making it part of a larger spectacular recreational region. Wilderness permits are often required for certain areas, especially for overnight trips.
Inyo National Forest stands out for its raw, high-elevation beauty, stark contrasts between desert and alpine environments, and world-renowned natural wonders. It provides a remote yet accessible escape for those seeking adventure, solitude, and awe-inspiring scenery in California’s Eastern Sierra. For the latest conditions, permits, and details, visit the official USDA Forest Service site at fs.usda.gov/inyo.
Inyo National Forest Campgrounds
 Aspen CampgroundAspen Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a small, high-altitude campground at approximately 8,100 feet elevation.… |
 Big Meadow CampgroundBig Meadow Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a serene, high-altitude campground situated at approximately 8,600… |
 Coldwater CampgroundColdwater Campground is a campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the largest and… |
 East Fork CampgroundEast Fork Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a scenic, high-altitude campground at approximately 8,900 feet… |
 Ellery Camp CampgroundEllery Campground, also known as Ellery Lake Campground, is a small, high-altitude campground located in the Inyo National Forest near Tioga Pass, California, just outside… |
 French Camp CampgroundCamping in the High Sierras is not as easy as it once was, however this fact offers one the ability to explore and remove oneself… |
 Grant Lake CampgroundGrant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California Grant Lake Campground and marina is the northern most campground of the June Lake Loop located… |
 Gull Lake CampgroundGull Lake Campground is a small, shaded and private campground in the June Lake Loop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gull lake is just over… |
Holiday CampgroundNestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within the Inyo National Forest, Holiday Campground (often referred to locally as "Halliday" in some… |
 Iris Meadow CampgroundIris Meadow Campground, nestled in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a charming high-altitude campground at approximately 8,300 feet… |
 June Lake CampgroundJune Lake Campground is nestled next to June Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Campground… |
 Lake George CampgroundLake George Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area, above Lake Mary in the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake… |
 Lake Mary CampgroundLake Mary Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the… |
Oh! Ridge CampgroundOh! Ridge Campground is the first campground in the June Lake Loop located in the Eastern High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campgrounds is… |
 Palisades CampgroundPalisades Group Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a high-altitude group camping destination at 8,800 feet… |
 Pine Grove CampgroundPine Grove Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a scenic, high-altitude campground at approximately 9,300 feet… |
 Rock Creek Lake CampgroundRock Creek Lake Campground, located in Mono County, California, is a picturesque alpine lake set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. At… |
 Saddlebag Lake CampgroundSaddlebag Lake Campground, nestled in the Inyo National Forest at 10,087 feet above sea level, is California’s highest drive-to campground and a hidden gem just… |
 Silver Lake CampgroundSilver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California Silver Lake Campground is nestled next to Silver Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and… |
 Twin Lakes CampgroundTwin Lakes Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campground offers views… |
 Upper Pine Grove CampgroundUpper Pine Grove Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a small, rustic campground nestled at an… |
Harry C. Wheeler
Harry Cornwall Wheeler (July 23, 1875 – December 17, 1925) was a prominent Arizona lawman, soldier, and one of the last iconic figures of the Old West. He served as the third and final captain of the Arizona Rangers and as Sheriff of Cochise County. Known as a crack shot and a fearless enforcer, Wheeler participated in several notable gunfights during a career that spanned the Spanish-American War, the waning days of frontier law enforcement, and the early Prohibition era.
Early Life and Military Service
Harry Cornwall Wheeler was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to a military family. His father, William B. Wheeler, was a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer. Harry grew up on various army posts across the western frontier.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Spanish-American War (1898). He continued in the cavalry, attaining the rank of sergeant before receiving a medical discharge in 1902 at Fort Grant, Arizona.
Arizona Rangers (1903–1909)
In July 1903, Wheeler joined the newly formed Arizona Rangers, an elite force created to combat rustlers, bandits, and smugglers along the U.S.-Mexico border. He rose quickly, promoted to sergeant within four months and eventually becoming the third (and last) captain of the Rangers in March 1907.
As a Ranger, Wheeler earned a reputation as a disciplined leader and expert marksman with both pistol and rifle. He developed a code of conduct for the Rangers and was respected for his fairness.
Notable Gunfights
1. Palace Saloon Shootout, Tucson (October 1904) While serving as a sergeant, Wheeler responded to a holdup at the Palace Saloon on Congress Street. Outlaw Charles Bostwick had robbed the saloon. Wheeler calmly entered after being warned and confronted the armed bandit. Bostwick fired first but missed effectively; Wheeler drew his single-action Colt .45 and shot him in the forehead (grazing) and then fatally in the chest. The incident highlighted Wheeler’s composure and speed.
2. Benson Shootout / Rock Fight (February 28, 1907) This is one of the most unusual gunfights in Western history. It began as a lovers’ triangle involving J.A. Tracy, a railroad agent and jealous suitor. Tracy ambushed Wheeler (then a lieutenant) and others in Benson. A gunfight erupted, and Wheeler was seriously wounded in the upper left thigh near the groin. Despite his injury, the confrontation devolved into a dramatic mano-a-mano duel where the men threw rocks at each other before Wheeler prevailed, killing Tracy.
3. Other Ranger-Era Incidents Wheeler was involved in multiple pursuits of rustlers and outlaws. In one documented case near the border, he and another Ranger engaged fugitives in a running gun battle, with Wheeler demonstrating exceptional accuracy under fire. He was wounded at least once during his Ranger service but continued active duty.
4. Gleeson Gunfight (March 5, 1917) As Sheriff of Cochise County, this was Wheeler’s final and one of the last classic Old West-style gunfights. While patrolling for alcohol smugglers (Arizona was under statewide Prohibition), Wheeler and Deputy Lafe Gibson camped near Gleeson. They were ambushed at night by a gang of Mexican smugglers.
In a prolonged firefight under moonlight, involving over 100 shots, Wheeler used his Winchester rifle with deadly precision, firing at muzzle flashes and wounding (likely killing) at least one attacker. The smugglers retreated, abandoning whiskey-laden burros. The incident symbolized the shift from frontier banditry to modern border smuggling issues.
Sheriff of Cochise County (1912–1918)
After the Arizona Rangers disbanded in 1909, Wheeler served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal before being elected Sheriff of Cochise County in 1911 (re-elected in 1914 and 1916). Based in Tombstone, he dealt with mining strikes, border troubles, and Prohibition enforcement. During the 1917 Bisbee Deportation events, his actions drew both praise and criticism, reflecting the turbulent labor and wartime climate.
Later Life and Military Service
In 1918, Wheeler resigned as sheriff to enlist in World War I, serving despite being in his early 40s. After the war, he returned to Arizona but struggled with health issues. He died on December 17, 1925, in Bisbee, Arizona, at age 50, from natural causes.
Legacy
Harry C. Wheeler embodied the transition from the Old West to the 20th century. A champion marksman and dedicated lawman, he was involved in roughly four documented gunfights, always acting in the line of duty. He is remembered as a fair but tough enforcer who protected both labor interests and the law during a chaotic period in Arizona history. The restored Gleeson Jail and various historical accounts keep his story alive in Cochise County lore.
Wheeler’s life reflects the broader story of Arizona’s frontier closing amid industrialization, war, and changing border dynamics.
Kimberly, Nevada – White Pine County Ghost Town
Kimberly was a 20th-century copper mining company town in White Pine County, eastern Nevada. It was located in the Egan Range, west of Ruth and Riepetown, and east of the former town of Veteran, within the Robinson Mining District (also known as the Ely or Copper Basin District). The site sits at a relatively high elevation in the mountains, part of the major copper-producing area that helped sustain Nevada’s economy into the modern era.
Unlike the short-lived silver boom towns of the 1860s–1870s (such as Shermantown or Hamilton), Kimberly represented the shift to large-scale industrial copper mining in the early 1900s.
Founding and Early Development (1900–1910)
Copper discoveries in the Pilot Knob area dated back earlier, but significant development began in May 1900 when the Giroux Mining Company started operations. In 1903, the company established the town of Kimberly as a planned company town. It was named after Peter L. Kimberly, a major financier from the Lake Superior mining region who backed the Giroux Consolidated Mines.
Key early milestones:
- Post office established July 24, 1905 (operated until December 31, 1958).
- Nevada Northern Railway reached Kimberly in September 1906, providing critical transportation for ore and supplies.
- By 1910, the town had a general store, boarding houses, saloons, numerous residences, and its own newspaper, the Kimberly News.
Peak Period (1910s–1920s)
In 1914, the Giroux holdings were acquired by the Consolidated Copper Company, which expanded operations. Kimberly grew into a stable community with a population reaching about 500 by the mid-1920s. It featured a school, company housing, and supporting businesses typical of mining towns of the era.
The town was closely tied to the nearby mines and mills. It served as a residential and service hub for workers in the rich copper district, which included operations at Veteran and other sites. Mining activity focused on copper, with associated metals.
Later Years and Decline (1930s–1950s)
Kimberly experienced the typical fluctuations of a mining-dependent town, affected by metal prices, labor issues, and technological changes. Operations continued through the Great Depression and World War II, when copper demand was high for wartime production.
The post office remained active until the end of 1958, reflecting the town’s longevity compared to many earlier Nevada ghost towns. However, as mining consolidated and open-pit operations expanded in the Robinson District, residential areas were impacted.
Legacy and Current Status
Extensive modern mining development, particularly large-scale open-pit operations and tailings disposal, has largely wiped the original townsite of Kimberly off the map. Today, the area is dominated by active or reclaimed mine workings, with little of the historic town visible. It is considered a ghost town, though its history is intertwined with the still-operating copper industry around Ely and Ruth.
Kimberly exemplifies Nevada’s transition from 19th-century precious-metal rushes to 20th-century base-metal (copper) mining, which provided more stable, longer-term economic activity. The Robinson District remains one of Nevada’s most productive copper areas into the 21st century.
Sources
This report is based on historical records from Nevada Expeditions, Wikipedia, Western mining histories, and local archives. Kimberly’s story is well-documented in resources covering eastern Nevada’s copper boom.
Swansea, Arizona – La Paz County Ghost Town
Swansea, Arizona, is a well-preserved ghost town in La Paz County in western Arizona, known for its copper mining history. It lies in a remote desert area, roughly 30 miles from Parker and accessible via challenging dirt roads. Today, it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a historic site featuring adobe and brick ruins, mine remnants, and foundations that illustrate early 20th-century mining life.
Early Prospecting and Development (1860s–1900s)
Prospecting in the Swansea area began around 1862, when three prospectors explored the region and found copper and silver deposits. However, the remote location, lack of reliable transportation, and high costs limited large-scale operations for decades. Early mining was sporadic, with some silver-lead activity in the late 19th century that tapered off by the 1880s as richer ore bodies were exhausted.
Major development required better infrastructure. In 1904, the Arizona and California Railroad began construction from Wickenburg to Parker, opening opportunities for shipping ore. Miners Newton Evans and Thomas Jefferson Carrigan, along with others, secured investment and developed the site. The claims were consolidated under the Clara Consolidated Gold and Copper Mining Company (sometimes referred to as Clara Gold and Copper).
The camp was initially called Signal. By the end of 1908, construction included a 350-ton capacity smelter (later expanded), a 3.5-mile water pipeline from the Bill Williams River, and hoists for multiple mine shafts. The town was renamed Swansea after the Welsh port city where ore had previously been shipped for smelting.
Boom Years (1909–1910s)
Swansea was officially established around 1909 (just before Arizona achieved statehood in 1912). A post office opened on March 25, 1909. By that year, the population reached about 500, supported by mining, smelting, and related services.
Key infrastructure included:
- The Arizona & Swansea Railroad (about 21 miles long), which connected to the main line at Bouse and began operations around 1910, enabling efficient ore transport.
- A larger smelter (reportedly up to 700 tons capacity in some accounts) built on-site to process copper locally rather than shipping raw ore overseas.
- Housing, stores, and other amenities in a classic company town setup.
The town reflected the optimism and speculation of the era. Investors promoted it aggressively, leading to substantial (sometimes excessive) infrastructure investment aimed at impressing backers rather than purely optimizing operations.
Decline and Abandonment (1910s–1940s)
The boom was short-lived. By 1911, the Clara Consolidated company faced financial troubles, leading to mine closures and restructuring. New owners restarted operations, but copper prices fluctuated. The town survived World War I but declined sharply afterward as prices dropped.
The post office closed on June 28, 1924. By the 1930s, the population had largely dispersed, and the mines shut down for good around 1937. Limited activity may have continued into the early 1940s before full abandonment. A few hardy prospectors lingered, but Swansea became a true ghost town.
Later History and Preservation
The site’s remoteness helped preserve its ruins better than many other ghost towns. It has been designated an Arizona archaeological site and is protected by the BLM. In the 1970s, it served as a filming location (e.g., for Day of the Wolves). Visitors today can explore remnants of buildings, mine shafts, and the smelter area, though caution is advised due to unstable structures and desert hazards.
Significance
Swansea exemplifies the rise-and-fall pattern of many Western mining towns: discovery, railroad-enabled boom, over-speculation, market volatility, and bust. Its copper focus tied it to broader industrial demands of the early 20th century. Unlike flashier gold or silver towns, Swansea’s story highlights the engineering challenges of desert mining, including water supply and transportation. It stands as one of Arizona’s more intact ghost towns, offering insights into frontier mining life, company towns, and the economic realities of resource extraction.
Visiting Notes: Access is via high-clearance vehicles recommended; check BLM resources for current conditions. It remains a popular but respectful destination for history enthusiasts and off-road adventurers.