Sears Point Archeological Area: Situated above the flood plain of the Gila River, the area is rich in prehistoric archeological resources. It is on the south side of the river while the Anza expedition passed by on the north. This area may become an interpretive site for the Anza Trail, but the BLM intends to address issues of access and protection before the site could be open to the public. It is not shown on the map. Expedition Camp #34: The Interstate 8, Arizona Department of Transportation Mohawk rest stop is at the base of the Mohawk Mountains in view of an expedition camp site and provides an interpretive opportunity. Expedition Camp #35, Cerrito de Santa Cecilia, Antelope Hill: Located about six miles east of Wellton, this Anza camp site was a prominent geologic feature beside the Gila River. It contained prehistoric resources such as petroglyphs and grinding stone quarry sites. In the past several years, the portion of the site owned by the Wellton–Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District was quarried extensively to produce rip-rap to armor the banks of the Gila River. The cultural value of that site has been ruined, although a portion of the hill managed by the BLM may still have some integrity. Prison Hill, Yuma Crossing National Historic Landmark, and Overview of Expedition Camps #39, 40, and 41: Long before Anza’s time, the junction of the Gila and Colorado rivers were a crossroads where prehistoric trails converged. Anza’s strategy was to cross the Gila first and then the Colorado. Upon reaching what is Prison Hill today, Anza moved upstream several leagues and carved a new crossing site through entangled brush. The expedition delayed at the crossing to build a shelter for Fathers Garcés and Eixarch, who remained. Anza was helped by Captain Palma, a Yuma (Quechan) chief, on both expeditions. During the 1774 exploratory expedition, the Yumas carried Garcés across the Colorado flat on his back because of his deathly fear of being swept down river. By preventing access to this strategic crossing in a 1781 revolt, the Yuma Indians effectively closed the Anza trail for the duration of the Spanish colonial period. Several crossing sites were used in subsequent years as part of the Gila and Old Spanish trails used by Mexican and American gold–seekers, emigrants, military expeditions, and freight trains. Nothing remains of Anza’s crossing site, but its location is generally known. An interpretive exhibit will be installed at Prison Hill within Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park overlooking the Colorado River where the expedition crossed. |