U.S. Mormon Battalion Trail Historical Marker No. 7
Posted by: 
outwest63
N 31° 30.624 W 109° 02.253
12R E 686359 N 3487836
Historical Marker No. 7
U. S. Mormon Battalion Trail
History of Trek Though Mountains
Located on Geronimo Trail in South West Hidalgo County New Mexico
Waymark Code: WMDVAQ
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 02/26/2012
Views: 6
I first visited this marker in 1987 while on a family outing. My next visit to the marker was on 2/21/12. The marker is starting to show its age. The marker is located on the Geronimo approximately 1.5 miles East of the Arizona New Mexico border. There is ample parking available next to the marker.
The inscription on the marker reads
Historical Marker No. 7
U. S. Mormon Battalion Trail
History of Trek Through Mountains
On November 28, 1896 the Mormon Battalion of the U. S. Army West crossed these mountains near this sumit enroute to California during the Mexican War. Co. 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. The 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
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 Troup 414
Lumber by Kiabab Lumber Inc.
Dedicated Nov. 1, 1986
Wagon being lowered down steep slope with ropes
Artist - Ralph Reese
Sign built and designed by Robin Button
Thomas L. Kane Company
History::
There are many sites on the internet that refer to the Mormon Battalion and its travels.
Link to History,Plaque or Sign:: [Web Link]
Additional Point: Not Listed
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