Phoenix to Tempe Highway and Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad Bridge

Datec. 1898

MediumPaper

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Terms

Catalog number1987.1.69

DescriptionThe highway that connected Phoenix and Tempe by passing through the riverbed of the Salt River. The Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad Bridge can be seen on the left, and there are wagon trails in the gravel.
From Mill Avenue exhibit:
"Until 1913, the road to Phoenix from Tempe began with a purpose-built sand and gravel wagon track across the river-bottom to the north bank. Although the location shifted over the years, the road entered the riverbed between Mill and Maple Avenue. The Salt was usually dry and easy to cross, despite the perennial channel near the north bank. As the river level rose, most horse, wagon and freight traffic could cross safely if they kept to the road’s pathway. Seasonal floods washed out the road, restricting travel options to paying for ferry boat service across or waiting until the water level dropped."

Status

Not on view

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