History of Treck Through Mountains
U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail
On November 28, 1896 the Mormon Battalion of the U. S. Army West crossed these mountains near this summit enroute to California during the Mexican War. Col. Cooke had dispatched scouts ahead to find the best route. An Indian guide, Charonneau, while scouting ahead was attacked by three grizzly bears. He killed one bear which provided meat for the troops.
Lt. Stoneman with 21 men could not find a suitable route down the mountain. They began cutting a road but the task was to laborious and the progress to slow. Col. Cooke then ordered the wagons unloaded and the supplies packed on horses and the mules for transport down the mountain. The wagons were lowered down the 40% grade by ropes. One wagon crashed to the canyon bottom. Henry Bigler wrote, "no other man but Cooke would attempt to cross wagons at such a place. Cooke had the spirit of a Bonaparte".
Dedicated to the Soldiers of the U. S. Mormon Battalion
Wagon being lowered down steep slope with ropes
Col. Fred M. Reese - C&CH US Mormon Battalion
Project Supervisors - Marvin E. Follet and Ralph Mangum
Masonry - Denis Gregg
Sponsors - Douglas Boy Scouts
Scout Troupe 414
Lumber by Kiabab Lumber Inc.
Artist - Ralph Reese
Sign built and designed by Robin Button
Thomas L. Kane Company
Marker is on Geronimo Trail 1.5 miles east of Arizona / New Mexico State line, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
