Overland Road Sheep Highway
N 35° 07.148 W 112° 09.011
12S E 395193 N 3886859
The Overland Road was built in the early 1860's as a means to reach the newly found goldfields at the headwaters of the Hassayampa River.
After prospectors moved on to the next big strike the corridor became an important livestock driveway.
Waymark Code: WM756M
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 09/03/2009
Views: 5
At the turn of the century the Bear Springs Sheep Driveway was established for sheepmen to move thier sheep between summer and winter ranges over the Mogollon Rim. Each year tens of thousands of sheep would move up the rim some from as far away as the Mohawk Valley in southern Arizona. The large sheep herds still occupy the area during the summer months however most are hauled in by trucks over the modern paved roads.
Bear Springs just south of this point was named appropriatly as noted by Judge Joseph Pratt Allyn the first Supreme Court Justice of the Arizona Territory and a member of the third expedition on the road "This spring identified itself; there had been a very large camp near it, and the boys had killed a bear, at least we found his bones."
Road of Trail Name: Overland Road
State: Arizona
County: Coconino
Historical Significance:
The Overland Road was used for a variety of uses from Military patrols to immigration into the area. It's route likely covers sections used a thousand years ago and portions still in use today.
How you discovered it:
The Kaibab National Forest developed several trailheads and I began hiking the road.
Website Explination:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/trails/wil_overland.shtml
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/trails/handouts/wil_overland.pdf
Why?:
Goldseekers and the military were the primary users of the road in it's earlies days. These groups or expeditions were foloowed by homesteaders, stockmen and westbound travlers.
Directions:
I-40 to Williams then south on the Perkinsville Highway aka 4th street to Forest Road 354.
Years in use: Not listed
Book on Wagon Road or Trial: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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