Category: Businessmen

Pete Berry

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Peter D. Berry (1856–1932) was a pivotal figure in the early history of Grand Canyon tourism and exploration, instrumental in developing the Bright Angel Trail, one of the most iconic hiking routes in Grand Canyon National Park. A prospector, trailblazer, and entrepreneur, Berry’s efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped transform the rugged South Rim into a gateway for adventurers and tourists. His work on the Bright Angel Trail, alongside partners Ralph and Niles Cameron, opened the canyon’s depths to miners and visitors alike, laying the foundation for its modern status as a premier hiking destination. This article explores Berry’s life, his contributions to the trail, and the historical context of his endeavors, drawing on primary and secondary sources to paint a vivid picture of his legacy.

Early Life and Arrival at the Grand Canyon

Born in 1856, likely in Colorado, Peter D. Berry’s early years were shaped by the restless spirit of the American frontier. Little is documented about his childhood, but by the 1880s, he had settled in Flagstaff, Arizona, a burgeoning hub for prospectors and pioneers. Married to May Henderson, Berry’s domestic life was strained by his frequent prospecting trips, which often left his wife alone for weeks or months. Supported by Flagstaff’s first settler, Thomas F. McMillan, Berry joined forces with brothers Ralph and Niles Cameron, Edwin Gale, and Robert Ferguson to explore the Grand Canyon for mineral wealth in 1888. Their search culminated in a significant discovery in April 1890: a rich vein of copper on Horseshoe Mesa, which became the Last Chance Mine, the Grand Canyon’s most successful copper strike.

To access this claim, Berry and his partners needed reliable routes into the canyon. The Havasupai people had long used a path along the Bright Angel Fault to reach Indian Garden, a fertile oasis watered by Garden Creek, for seasonal farming. This ancient trail, marked by pictographs and petroglyphs depicting hunts and directions, provided a natural starting point. Recognizing its potential, Berry, Ralph, and Niles Cameron began improving the trail in 1890, widening it and extending it toward the Colorado River to facilitate mining operations. Their efforts cost approximately $500, a significant investment for the time, and laid the groundwork for what would become the Bright Angel Trail.

Development of the Bright Angel Trail

In February 1891, Berry registered the improved trail with Yavapai County as the “Bright Angel Toll Road,” though it was often called “Cameron’s Trail” due to Ralph Cameron’s later control. The trail’s name, Bright Angel, is steeped in legend. One story, attributed to canyon pioneer John Hance, claimed it was named for a beautiful woman who frequented the trail and mysteriously vanished, dubbed the “Bright Angel.” Another tale suggested a Catholic priest, starving and dehydrated, named the trail after reaching Bright Angel Creek on the North Rim. While these stories add folklore to the trail’s history, its practical purpose was clear: to provide access to mining claims and, later, to capitalize on growing tourism.

Berry’s engineering skills were crucial in shaping both the Bright Angel and Grandview Trails. The Bright Angel Trail followed the Bright Angel Fault, a geological break that allowed a navigable descent through the canyon’s formidable layers, including the 300-foot Coconino sandstone and 500-foot Redwall Limestone cliffs. The trail stretched approximately 9.5 miles from the South Rim (6,850 feet elevation) to the Colorado River (2,460 feet), with an average grade of 10%. Key features included switchbacks, later dubbed “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Devil’s Corkscrew,” which navigated steep descents through Kaibab Limestone and Vishnu Schist, the canyon’s oldest rock at nearly 2 billion years old. Berry’s improvements made the trail suitable for pack animals and miners, with stone and timber reinforcements that remain visible today, testifying to his craftsmanship.

First Train to Carry Passengers all the way to Grand Canyon Village. SEPT. 17, 1901. Photo By G.L. ROSE.
First Train to Carry Passengers all the way to Grand Canyon Village. SEPT. 17, 1901. Photo By G.L. ROSE.

In 1891, Berry transferred control of the Bright Angel Trail to Ralph Cameron in exchange for ownership of the Grandview Trail, which accessed the Last Chance Mine on Horseshoe Mesa. This exchange reflected Berry’s focus on mining and his strategic decision to prioritize Grandview, where he would later establish a thriving tourist enterprise. Cameron, however, saw greater potential in tourism, especially with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway nearing the South Rim. In 1901, the railroad reached Grand Canyon Village, terminating near the Bright Angel Trailhead, dramatically increasing its value. Cameron began charging a $1 toll (equivalent to about $35 in 2025) to access the trail, plus fees for water and outhouses at Indian Garden, capitalizing on the influx of visitors.

Berry’s Grandview Hotel and Tourism Ventures

While Cameron controlled the Bright Angel Trail, Berry focused on Grandview, 15 miles east of the trailhead. In 1897, Berry, now divorced from May Henderson, married Martha J. Thompson, a housekeeper at his Grandview Hotel. Opened that year, the Grandview Hotel became the first lodge at the Grand Canyon, offering comfortable rooms and tent cabins for tourists. Berry’s enterprise provided stage transportation to the railhead at Anita, carriage rides along the rim, and guided tours below the rim with seasoned guides and sure-footed mules. The 1900 U.S. Census listed Berry, age 42, as a hotel proprietor, underscoring his shift from mining to tourism.

The Grandview Hotel thrived until the railroad’s arrival in 1901 diverted tourist traffic to Bright Angel Camp, rendering Grandview less accessible. Berry adapted by securing county permission to repair the Flagstaff-Grand Canyon Road, promoting five-hour stage drives to Grandview. He continued managing the hotel, which served as a hub for early canyon tourism, until 1916, when it closed due to declining business. The hotel’s logs were later repurposed for the Desert View Watchtower, dedicated in 1932, preserving a piece of Berry’s legacy.

Competition and Legal Battles

The Bright Angel Trail’s growing popularity sparked fierce competition and legal disputes. In 1896, James Thurber built the Bright Angel Hotel at the trailhead, followed by Buckey O’Neill’s adjacent camp. Martin Buggeln acquired the hotel in 1901, aligning it with the railroad’s arrival, but Ralph Cameron’s control of the trail led to conflicts. As chairman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (1905–1907), Cameron leveraged political influence to pass a 1906 law extending toll road developers’ control, securing the trail for himself despite a vetoed bill and a lucrative offer from the Santa Fe Railway. The Kolb brothers, Ellsworth and Emery, further capitalized on the trail’s traffic by establishing a photography studio in 1902, selling souvenir photos of mule riders.

The National Park Service (NPS), established in 1916, sought to bring the trail under federal control. Arizona Congressman Carl Hayden, a key advocate for Grand Canyon National Park (created in 1919), pushed for the government to acquire the Bright Angel Toll Road. Cameron resisted, using his influence as a U.S. Senator (1921–1927) to maintain control until 1928, when the NPS finally assumed ownership, eliminating tolls and making the trail freely accessible. Berry, meanwhile, had surrendered his legal claim in 1906, focusing instead on Grandview.

Legacy and Impact

Peter D. Berry’s contributions to the Grand Canyon were profound yet understated. His work on the Bright Angel and Grandview Trails made the canyon’s depths accessible, enabling mining, tourism, and scientific exploration. The Bright Angel Trail, now a well-maintained corridor trail with resthouses, water stations (May–October), and connections to Havasupai Gardens and Phantom Ranch, remains the park’s most popular hiking route. Its cultural significance is tied to the Havasupai, who were forcibly displaced by 1928, and whose legacy is honored by the 2022 renaming of Indian Garden to Havasupai Gardens.

Despite his impact, Berry’s name is absent from canyon landmarks, an oversight noted by historians. His trails, particularly the Bright Angel, facilitated early tourism and inspired later developments, such as the NPS’s South Kaibab Trail (1924) and Hermit Trail (1911), built to bypass Cameron’s tolls. Berry’s Grandview Hotel set a precedent for canyon hospitality, influencing later establishments like the Bright Angel Lodge, designed by Mary Colter in 1935.

Berry spent nearly half a century at the Grand Canyon, living his final years with Martha at the Coconino Basin Ranch near Desert View after the death of his son Ralph in the 1919 Spanish influenza epidemic. He died in 1932, leaving a legacy etched in the trails he built and the tourists he welcomed. His work transformed the Grand Canyon from a remote frontier into a global destination, ensuring that generations could experience its geological and cultural wonders.

Sources

  • Grand Canyon National Park: Miners.
  • Peter D. Berry – kaibab.org.
  • Bright Angel Trail – Nature, Culture and History at the Grand Canyon.
  • Bright Angel Trail – Wikipedia.
  • Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon Conservancy.
  • History | ASU Library.
  • 5 Epic Untold Stories Of Grand Canyon Pioneer Pete Berry.

Julia Thomas

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Julia Thomas (c. 1862–1917) was a pivotal figure in the enduring legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, a tale of hidden gold in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, inextricably linked to the German prospector Jacob Waltz (c. 1810–1891). While Thomas’s life intersected with Waltz’s during his final days, her role in popularizing the myth of his lost mine cemented her place in American frontier history. This biography explores her life, her connection to Waltz, and her contributions to the legend, drawing on historical accounts while acknowledging the speculative nature of some details.

Early Life and Background

Little is documented about Julia Thomas’s early life, but historical records indicate she was born around 1862, possibly in the United States, and was described as a woman of mixed racial heritage, sometimes referred to as a “quadroon” in contemporary accounts. By the late 1880s, she had settled in Phoenix, Arizona Territory, where she operated a bakery and confectionery shop. This business was her primary source of income, and as a woman proprietor in the late 19th century—particularly one of color—she stood out as an uncommonly independent figure in a male-dominated, racially stratified society.

By 1891, Thomas was navigating personal challenges, including a divorce, which likely strained her financial stability. Her bakery, while a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, was not enough to shield her from the economic precarity of the time. It was in this context that her path crossed with Jacob Waltz, a reclusive German immigrant and prospector whose reputed discovery of a rich gold mine would define Thomas’s legacy.

Connection to Jacob Waltz

Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.
Photograph take of Jacob Waltz after his arrival in New York.

Jacob Waltz, often called the “Dutchman” (a misnomer derived from “Deutsch,” meaning German), was a prospector who arrived in Arizona in the 1860s. By the 1870s, he was known for periodically appearing in Phoenix with high-grade gold ore, the source of which he guarded jealously. In February 1891, a devastating flood along the Salt River destroyed Waltz’s homestead, leaving the aging prospector (then in his early 80s) destitute and ill, likely with pneumonia.

Thomas, described as a friend or acquaintance of Waltz, took him into her home and nursed him for several months. Some accounts suggest she was motivated by compassion, while others speculate she saw an opportunity to secure payment for his care, possibly through his rumored wealth. Waltz died on October 25, 1891, in Thomas’s home, an event that marked a turning point in her life and sparked the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine.

Two conflicting narratives emerged about Waltz’s final days. According to Thomas, Waltz confided in her about the location of his mine, providing directions and possibly helping her draw a map. She claimed he intended for her to have a box of gold ore stored under his bed as payment for her care. However, Dick Holmes, a Phoenix local who was present on the night of Waltz’s death, asserted that Waltz gave him the gold and detailed directions to the mine during a deathbed confession. The dispute over the gold—reportedly 48 pounds of rich ore—and the mine’s location created a rift that fueled decades of debate among treasure hunters.

The Expedition and the Birth of a Legend

Rhinehart Petrasch - 1954 from Curse of the Dutchman's Gold
Rhinehart Petrasch – 1954 from Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold

Following Waltz’s death, Thomas acted swiftly to capitalize on his story. In 1892, she partnered with Rhinehart and Herman Petrasch, two German immigrant brothers, to search for the mine in the Superstition Mountains. At 29 years old, Thomas was an unlikely expedition leader, given the era’s gender norms and the rugged terrain of the Superstitions. The trio embarked in mid-July, a perilous time due to the desert’s extreme heat. The expedition was a failure, yielding no trace of the mine and nearly costing them their lives. Financially ruined, Thomas parted ways with the Petrasch brothers and never attempted another search.

Undeterred by her failure, Thomas leveraged the mystique of Waltz’s mine to sustain herself. She began selling maps purportedly based on Waltz’s directions for $8 each, a significant sum at the time. Her account of the expedition was published in the Arizona Weekly Gazette, and she likely provided information to journalist Pierpont C. Bicknell, whose articles in the San Francisco Chronicle brought national attention to the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Thomas’s maps and stories, while criticized as embellished or fabricated by some, laid the foundation for the legend’s enduring appeal. Her entrepreneurial flair for publicity—whether intentional or opportunistic—transformed a local tale into a national obsession, inspiring countless treasure hunters and shaping the mythos of the American West.

Later Life and Legacy

In July 1893, Thomas remarried, wedding Albert Schaefer. The couple became known in Phoenix for eccentric behavior, including ritualistic burnt offerings in their front yard, which some accounts describe as cult-like. These practices may have reflected personal beliefs or an attempt to maintain public attention, but they further distanced Thomas from mainstream society.

Thomas’s financial situation never recovered from the failed expedition. She spent her later years in poverty, a stark contrast to the wealth she sought in the Superstitions. On December 15, 1917, she died of Bright’s disease (a kidney ailment) at age 55. Ironically, the route of her 1892 expedition passed over the sites of the Mammoth and Black Queen mines, two of Arizona’s richest gold deposits, discovered shortly after her search.

Historical Significance and Critical Perspective

Julia Thomas’s role in the Lost Dutchman’s Mine legend is both celebrated and scrutinized. To some, she was a savvy opportunist who amplified a dying man’s tale for profit, possibly fabricating details to cover unpaid debts or capitalize on Waltz’s reputation. Others view her as a victim of circumstance, a woman whose limited options in a patriarchal society led her to pursue a risky venture that ultimately failed. Her status as a woman of color adds complexity to her story, as her independence and visibility in Phoenix were remarkable for the time, yet likely contributed to her marginalization.

The veracity of Waltz’s mine remains debated. Some argue the Superstition Mountains, being igneous, lack significant gold deposits, suggesting Waltz’s ore came from elsewhere, possibly California or Colorado. Others, citing Waltz’s documented sales of gold to the U.S. Mint, believe the mine existed, though its location may have been a cache rather than a traditional vein. Thomas’s maps and stories, while influential, are often dismissed as unreliable, yet they reflect her agency in shaping a narrative that has outlived her.

Julia Thomas died penniless, but her legacy endures in the lore of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. Her actions—nursing Waltz, leading an expedition, and selling maps—transformed a prospector’s secret into a cultural phenomenon. The Superstition Mountains, now part of Lost Dutchman State Park, draw thousands annually, many inspired by the tale Thomas helped create. Her life, marked by resilience and ambition, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and harsh realities of the American frontier, forever tied to the enigmatic Jacob Waltz and his elusive gold.

Further Reading

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman’s Gold by Helen Corbin

The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold by Helen Corbin Helen Corbin's The Curse of the Dutchman's Gold is the first book I have read on…

References

Thomas Boland

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Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California. ( April 7, 1835 - January 22, 1902 )
Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California. ( April 7, 1835 – January 22, 1902 )

Thomas Boland, a notable figure in the history of Cerro Gordo, California, was born on April 7, 1835, in County Cork, Ireland. Boland’s early life was marked by hardship and resilience, qualities that would serve him well throughout his career. He immigrated to the United States during the Great Irish Famine, seeking better opportunities and the chance to build a new life.

Upon arriving in America, Boland initially settled in New York City, where he worked various labor-intensive jobs. His strong work ethic and determination soon led him westward, drawn by the promise of the California Gold Rush in the early 1850s. Like many immigrants of his time, Boland was eager to seize the opportunities presented by the rapidly expanding American frontier.

In the mid-1860s, Boland made his way to the Inyo Mountains of California, where he became involved in the burgeoning mining industry. The discovery of rich silver and lead deposits at Cerro Gordo attracted miners and entrepreneurs from all over the country. Boland, with his extensive experience and keen business sense, quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the mining community.

Boland’s contributions to Cerro Gordo were multifaceted. As a mining engineer and manager, he played a crucial role in developing the infrastructure necessary for large-scale mining operations. His expertise in geology and mining techniques helped optimize the extraction processes, significantly increasing the productivity of the mines. Boland was instrumental in implementing innovative technologies and methods that enhanced the efficiency and safety of mining activities.

One of Boland’s most significant achievements was his involvement in the construction of the Cerro Gordo Tramway, an aerial tramway designed to transport ore from the mines to the nearby Owens Valley. This engineering marvel, which spanned several miles of rugged terrain, revolutionized the transportation of ore and greatly reduced the costs associated with its movement. The tramway’s success was a testament to Boland’s vision and ingenuity.

In addition to his technical contributions, Boland was known for his leadership and commitment to the well-being of the mining community. He advocated for better working conditions, fair wages, and safety measures for the miners, earning their respect and loyalty. Boland’s efforts to improve living conditions in Cerro Gordo included the establishment of housing, schools, and healthcare facilities, which helped create a more stable and prosperous community.

Thomas Boland’s impact on Cerro Gordo extended beyond his lifetime. His pioneering spirit and dedication to innovation set a standard for future mining operations in the region. Boland’s legacy is remembered not only through his technical achievements but also through his commitment to the welfare of the people who lived and worked in Cerro Gordo.

Boland passed away on January 22, 1902, leaving behind a legacy of industrial progress and community development. His contributions to Cerro Gordo are a testament to the transformative power of hard work, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Today, Thomas Boland is celebrated as one of the key figures who helped shape the history and success of Cerro Gordo during its most prosperous years.

Julius M. Keeler

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Julius M. Keeler ( 16 Jul 1823 - 28 Jan 1890 )
Julius M. Keeler ( 16 Jul 1823 – 28 Jan 1890 )

Julius M. Keeler, a prominent figure in the development of the American West, was born on June 4, 1838, in Binghamton, New York. His early years were marked by a strong work ethic and a fascination with the burgeoning opportunities that the western frontier promised. These qualities would drive him to become a significant contributor to the mining and transportation industries of his time.

Keeler’s journey westward began during the California Gold Rush. In the early 1860s, he moved to California, drawn by the allure of fortune and the chance to make a name for himself. He initially worked in various mining camps, gaining firsthand experience in the challenges and rewards of mining life. His intelligence and knack for problem-solving quickly set him apart, and he began to acquire small stakes in successful mining ventures.

By the late 1870s, Keeler had established himself as a savvy and resourceful entrepreneur. His involvement with the Cerro Gordo Mines in the Inyo Mountains of California marked a turning point in his career. Alongside investors like Mortimer Belshaw, Keeler recognized the immense potential of the rich silver and lead deposits in the region. Their combined efforts transformed Cerro Gordo into one of the most productive mining operations in California.

Keeler’s role at Cerro Gordo extended beyond mining. Understanding the critical need for efficient transportation of ore, he spearheaded the construction of a wagon road to connect the remote mining camp with the Owens Valley. This road, later complemented by the narrow-gauge Carson and Colorado Railway, was crucial in ensuring the economic viability of the mines by facilitating the transport of ore to smelters and markets.

In recognition of his contributions to the region, the town of Keeler, California, was named in his honor. The town served as a vital shipping point for the Cerro Gordo Mines and played a significant role in the local economy. Under Keeler’s influence, the area saw improvements in infrastructure and living conditions, benefiting both the mining community and the broader region.

Beyond his achievements in mining and transportation, Julius M. Keeler was known for his philanthropic endeavors. He supported various community initiatives, including the establishment of schools and healthcare facilities. His commitment to improving the lives of those around him reflected his belief in the potential of the American West as a place of opportunity and growth for all its inhabitants.

Keeler’s later years were spent overseeing his various business interests and continuing his philanthropic work. He remained a respected figure in the community until his death on January 15, 1908. His legacy is remembered through the lasting impact of his contributions to the mining industry and the development of the Owens Valley region.

Julius M. Keeler’s life story is a testament to the spirit of innovation, determination, and community-mindedness that characterized the American frontier during its most transformative years. His work not only advanced the economic prospects of his time but also laid the groundwork for future generations to thrive in the West.

References

Mortimer William Belshaw

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Mortimer Belshaw (1830 - 1899 )
Mortimer Belshaw (1830 – 1899 )

Mortimer William Belshaw, often remembered for his significant contributions to the mining industry in the American West, was born on November 30, 1833, in New York City. His early life was marked by a keen interest in geology and engineering, which would later shape his career and legacy.

Belshaw moved to California during the Gold Rush era in search of fortune and adventure. His arrival in California coincided with a period of intense economic and industrial development, particularly in mining. Belshaw’s technical skills and innovative mindset quickly distinguished him from many of his contemporaries. He initially worked in various mining operations, gaining valuable experience and knowledge about the industry.

In the early 1860s, Belshaw became involved with the Cerro Gordo Mines in the Inyo Mountains of California. This venture would become his most notable achievement. Recognizing the potential of the rich silver and lead deposits in the area, Belshaw partnered with other investors to develop the mines. His engineering expertise was crucial in overcoming the significant logistical challenges posed by the remote and rugged location of the mines.

Belshaw’s most famous contribution to the Cerro Gordo Mines was the construction of an innovative transportation system known as the Belshaw Tramway. This aerial tramway, one of the earliest of its kind, was designed to transport ore from the mines to the smelters more efficiently than traditional methods. The tramway significantly boosted the productivity of the Cerro Gordo Mines, leading to a period of substantial economic success for Belshaw and his partners.

Under Belshaw’s management, the Cerro Gordo Mines became one of the most productive mining operations in California during the late 19th century. The wealth generated from the mines contributed to the growth and development of the surrounding region, including the establishment of the town of Cerro Gordo, which became a bustling mining community.

Beyond his technical achievements, Belshaw was known for his fair treatment of workers and his efforts to improve working conditions in the mines. He believed in the importance of safety and welfare for his employees, which was relatively progressive for the time. This approach not only garnered loyalty from his workforce but also set a precedent for more humane labor practices in the mining industry.

Belshaw’s success at Cerro Gordo allowed him to invest in other mining ventures and businesses, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the mining industry. Despite facing various challenges, including fluctuating metal prices and occasional legal disputes, Belshaw’s entrepreneurial spirit and resilience ensured his continued influence in the field.

Mortimer Belshaw passed away on January 19, 1905, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and progress in the mining industry. His contributions to mining engineering and his commitment to improving labor conditions remain influential, highlighting his role as a pioneer in the development of modern mining practices.