In the winter of 1860, Jacob Hamblin and others returned to northern Arizona to retrieve the body of George Albert Smith, Jr., who had been killed by the Navajos. The party had to fight snow and ice and were only able to find the skull and the larger bones which were returned for burial in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Death was the constant companion of the early explorers and colonists. Northern Arizona was so remote from contact with the rest of the country, that everyone entering that expansive desert had to rely on whatever was at hand to survive. In the current world of instant communication it is virtually impossible to imagine the isolation of these early pioneers.
In 1862 Jacob Hamblin was again called upon by Brigham Young to venture into the heart of the Colorado Plateau and visit the Hopi villages. President Young recommended that this expedition cross the Colorado south of St. George in order to find an easier crossing of the river.
Hambin, who lived in the town of Santa Clara had lost his grist mill and other improvements to a flood. Many other residents of Santa Clara had also had their homes destroyed and crops ruined by the flooding of the Santa Clara River. It is notable that floods in recent times have caused similar damage in the same areas along the Virgin River, of which the Santa Clara is a tributary. Leaving his home in shambles, Hamblin took twenty men and a small boat.
The expedition crossed the Colorado at an unknown location, possibly near the mouth of the Grand Wash, presently near the Arizona/Nevada state line and under Lake Mead. The party struck out across the desert towards the San Francisco Peaks and finally reached the Hopi villages. If you are unfamiliar with this area, you should know that except for prominent mountains, the land is very flat and you can see for many, many miles. It is fairly easy to navigate because of the reference points of the high mountain peaks, such as the San Francisco Peaks, over 12,000 feet high. Those particular mountains can be seen for over 100 miles to the north looking south.
The men returned to Utah after visiting the Hopis, returning by crossing the Colorado River at the Ute Crossing (Crossing of the Fathers) now deep under Lake Powell. The crossing was dangerous because of the cold and ice on the river. On the return trip, food became so scarce, the explorers were reduced to eating crows.
To be continued.
Source unless noted:
McClintock, James H. Mormon Settlement in Arizona; a Record of Peaceful Conquest of the Desert. 1921.
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