San Simon, Arizona, is a place where history echoes through the desert winds, telling tales of a bygone era. Established in 1859 as the first Butterfield Overland stagecoach station on the Arizona-New Mexico border, San Simon played a pivotal role in connecting the western frontier. This small community, situated near Doubtful Canyon, was a vital stopover for weary travelers journeying through the challenging Apache Pass. As the sun set over the vast desert, stagecoaches would roll into San Simon, offering a brief respite before continuing their arduous journey.
The 1880s marked a significant transformation for San Simon with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad. This development attracted settlers and led to the growth of a small town around the railroad station, reflecting the broader trend of railroad expansion in the American West. The town became a hub of activity, with the sound of steam engines and the bustle of commerce filling the air.
However, San Simon was not just a center of transportation; it was also a backdrop for the Wild West’s notorious outlaws. In the late 1800s, it became a hideout for a gang known as the ‘Cowboys,’ infamous for their criminal exploits in Cochise County. The town found itself at the center of a political scandal in November 1880, involving a controversial election contested by Johnny Ringo and Bob Paul. Despite only fifty eligible voters, the election yielded 103 ballots, highlighting the tumultuous and often lawless nature of the era.
As the 20th century dawned, the San Simon River, once a lifeline for the valley, began to decline due to severe drought, overgrazing, and deforestation. This environmental change marked a new chapter in the town’s history, as it adapted to the challenges of a changing landscape.
Today, San Simon may be a small community, but its legacy endures. From its origins as a stagecoach stop to its role in the railroad expansion, and its colorful encounters with outlaws, San Simon remains a testament to the rugged spirit of the American West.
