When the Old West Became the New West - Gleeson, AZ

Published on January 8, 2020
Duration: 15:34

This video explores the ghost town of Gleeson, Arizona, detailing its history as a copper mining community founded in 1900. It highlights the transition from the Old West to the New West through the evolution of law enforcement, from a "jail tree" to a concrete jail, and discusses the social dynamics of the era, including prohibition and its impact. The tour showcases historical buildings like the Joe Bono Saloon and the jail, offering a glimpse into frontier life and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

Quick Summary

Gleeson, Arizona, established in 1900, was a copper mining community that exemplifies the transition from the Old West to the New West. Its history includes the evolution of law enforcement from a "jail tree" to a 1910 concrete jail, the social hub of the Joe Bono Saloon, and the impact of prohibition, with lawmen like Sheriff Wheeler enforcing regulations and sometimes participating in illicit trade.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Gleeson, AZ
  2. 00:20Gleeson's History as a Mining Town
  3. 00:46Main Street and Joe Bono Saloon
  4. 01:10The 1910 Jail and Jail Tree
  5. 03:35Inside the Restored Jail
  6. 04:59Sheriff Wheeler and Prohibition
  7. 05:25Firearms and Restraints in the Jail
  8. 05:46Communication and Law Enforcement
  9. 06:08Handcuffs and Jail Keys
  10. 07:02The Schoolhouse Ruins
  11. 08:27Hospital Ruins and Cremation Pit
  12. 09:39Mining District: Powder Room
  13. 10:46Ore Processing and Slag Heaps
  14. 11:43Mine Elevator and A-Frame
  15. 13:17Inside the Joe Bono Saloon Ruins
  16. 14:03Prohibition and Corruption in Gleeson
  17. 14:37Conclusion: Old West vs. New West

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Gleeson, Arizona known for?

Gleeson, Arizona, was primarily known as a copper mining community that sprang up in 1900. It served as a hub for miners, featuring a saloon, store, and jail, and experienced significant changes in technology and lifestyle during the early 20th century.

How did law enforcement evolve in Gleeson, Arizona?

Law enforcement in Gleeson evolved from rudimentary methods like a "jail tree" where prisoners were chained, to a wooden jail, and eventually to a more secure concrete and iron jail built in 1910. This progression reflects the transition from the raw frontier justice of the Old West to more structured methods of the New West.

What historical artifacts are preserved in Gleeson's 1910 jail?

The restored 1910 jail in Gleeson, now a museum, preserves artifacts from the era, including Sheriff Wheeler's rifle and shotgun, early handcuffs, and original jail keys. These items offer a tangible connection to the daily lives and challenges of law enforcement and prisoners in the early 1900s.

What role did prohibition play in Gleeson's history?

Prohibition significantly impacted Gleeson, with Sheriff Wheeler actively involved in intercepting smuggled alcohol from New Mexico. The town's saloon, the Joe Bono Saloon, was also implicated in the illicit alcohol trade, with confiscated goods reportedly being sold to the saloon owner.

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