Islands in the Desert: A History of the Uplands of Southeastern Arizona

Viewed from the air, the plains of southeastern Arizona appear to be dotted by a series of islands in the desert. These mountain ranges, none longer than thirty miles and few higher than 9,000 feet, have witnessed continuous occupation for over 11,000 years. The human history of these upland areas from the 1530s to the 1930s is engagingly told in this volume. The desert and mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona are linked to some pivotal historical events: Coronado's search for the fabled wealth of Cibola; the raids by Chiricahua Indians led by Cochise and Geronimo; the seemingly endless cycle of mining booms and busts that resulted in fortunes made and lost; and border clashes during the Mexican Revolution. All these familiar events are told with reference to fresh information. In addition, this book offers a history of the upland region centered on control and use of the land, including chapters on mining, logging, ranching, farming, and tourism.