Gold, Greed and Glory: The Territorial History of Prescott and the Verde Valley 1864-1912

Prior to 1864, the vast lands north of the Gila River in Arizona County, New Mexico Territory, were known only as Tierra Incognita, unknown lands, inhabited by the fierce Tonto Apache and Yavapai people. Gold remained a rumor there until 1863 when two mountain men, each leading separate expeditions, discovered it. One year later, President Abraham Lincoln declared Arizona a territory. Immediately the stampede for gold was underway, creating the inevitable conflict with the Native population. The Indians held the upper hand until the arrival of General George Crook in 1872. Following on the heels of the prospectors, soldiers and government officials were the pioneers, entrepreneurs, outlaws, lawmen and ladies of the night. Each contributed a thread to the vibrant tapestry woven into the territorial history of this fascinating era. "Gold, Greed and Glory" looks deeply into many of their lives, gives them flesh and blood, and carries the reader along on their exploits and glorious adventures.