Valley of Skulls LbNA #56158

There are various stories about how Skull Valley got its rather dreary name. Some say that early settlers found mounds of bleached skulls, the aftermath of a battle between two groups of Indians. But W. H. Wagner, identified as "A Contributor to The Times," wrote in 1895 that the name Skull Valley came into use after a clash between Apaches and an Army detachment from the Whipple Barracks. Using colorful language typical of his era, Wagner maintains that in the mid 1870s, the "straight shooting" soldiers, who had been disguised as freight in wagons that comprised a small train, killed all 200 of the "marauders" who attacked the wagon train and left their corpses where their bones would bleach in the "burning sands." The bones supposedly served as a "bad omen" to "neighboring tribes." "And from that day to this," Wagner wrote, "there have been no Indian pillaging or visiting in this valley." The account sounds both heartless and exaggerated, but no matter whose skulls they were, the fabled skulls that gave the valley such a mournful name attest to the fact that early life in the area was not always peaceful.

**NEW STAMP AS OF 5-28-2012**

From Prescott, travel west on Iron Springs Rd. (County Rd 10). Enjoy the ride…for approx 13.5 miles-then turn right on Tonto Rd. Park just past the cattle guard. Go to the cattle guard post on the left side of the road. There is a downed fence post. Hidden under the rocks is the find. It appears that this area gets a lot of foot traffic-Please be discreet and hide well as the last few boxes have been muggled. Stay a moment and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and beyond!
A sign says that the Juniper Well Ranch Winery is just 5 miles down the road. Open Sat & Sun. Nice little day trip?
Now go on ahead and visit the sleepy little town of Skull Valley. It sure looks peaceful now! There is even a little museum that is open throughout the summer and early fall on Sundays between 2:00 and 4:00 PM.