In the mid-1800s, pioneers in Arizona individually and
informally collaborated to restore the ancient Hohokam canals. One significant
early effort occurred in the 1860s during an Arizona gold rush. Jack Swilling, a former Confederate soldier
and early settler, recognized the potential of the Hohokam irrigation canals in
the Salt River Valley. He wanted to sell crops to miners at Wickenburg and the
U.S. Cavalry stationed at Fort McDowell
Swilling organized a small group of settlers in 1867 to
clear and repair some of the old Hohokam canals to irrigate their fields. This
initiative led to the creation of the Swilling Irrigation and Canal Company,
which successfully restored sections of the ancient canal system. His work,
which was originally known as “Swilling’s Ditch” enabled the cultivation of
crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables, laying the foundation for the
agricultural development of the Phoenix area.
-Val
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