Hardbound $30.00
Softbound $20.00
Softbound $20.00
Review by Bruce Dinges, Arizona Historical Society:
Leland Hanchett, Jr. of Cave Creek describes himself as a semi retired engineer and inventor who enjoys Arizona history so much he has written four books on the subject. That enthusiasm shows in his latest publication, "Catch the Stage to Phoenix." With a helping hand from researcher Walter Jayroe, Hanchett tells the exciting story of stage travel from Prescott to Phoenix over the Wickenburg and Black Canyon roads. John H. Pearson, Charles Stanton, Charlie Genung, Jack Swilling and a cast of other fascinating characters occupy center stage in an era when highwaymen haunted the public roads and murder was commonplace. " Opening stage lines in the early days of the territory was risky at best." The author reminds us. " The type of man who was suitable for that work would have to be tough and relentless, willing to take chances even if it costs their reputation or their life." Elsewhere, Hanchett, focuses on life at the remote stage stations and the lonely but important roles the occupants played in promoting travel in the struggling Arizona Territory. A wealth of newspaper stories, trial transcripts, and corner's reports carry modern readers back to olden times, and provide researchers with important firsthand accounts of dramatic events. This detailed, entertaining and lavishly illustrated book fills a gap in Arizona's transportation history."
Leland Hanchett, Jr. of Cave Creek describes himself as a semi retired engineer and inventor who enjoys Arizona history so much he has written four books on the subject. That enthusiasm shows in his latest publication, "Catch the Stage to Phoenix." With a helping hand from researcher Walter Jayroe, Hanchett tells the exciting story of stage travel from Prescott to Phoenix over the Wickenburg and Black Canyon roads. John H. Pearson, Charles Stanton, Charlie Genung, Jack Swilling and a cast of other fascinating characters occupy center stage in an era when highwaymen haunted the public roads and murder was commonplace. " Opening stage lines in the early days of the territory was risky at best." The author reminds us. " The type of man who was suitable for that work would have to be tough and relentless, willing to take chances even if it costs their reputation or their life." Elsewhere, Hanchett, focuses on life at the remote stage stations and the lonely but important roles the occupants played in promoting travel in the struggling Arizona Territory. A wealth of newspaper stories, trial transcripts, and corner's reports carry modern readers back to olden times, and provide researchers with important firsthand accounts of dramatic events. This detailed, entertaining and lavishly illustrated book fills a gap in Arizona's transportation history."
Reader reviews:
" This is a wonderful resource for anyone who is researching Arizona history. I'm amazed at the wealth of information. It is a must for historians, teachers, and anyone with an actual curiosity about travel in the old west. I applaud the author for taking the time to write a thorough and accurate account. Great job!"
" A beautifully vivid portrayal of life in Northern Arizona after stagecoaches reached the territory. Great story after great story. w/pix."
" This is a wonderful resource for anyone who is researching Arizona history. I'm amazed at the wealth of information. It is a must for historians, teachers, and anyone with an actual curiosity about travel in the old west. I applaud the author for taking the time to write a thorough and accurate account. Great job!"
" A beautifully vivid portrayal of life in Northern Arizona after stagecoaches reached the territory. Great story after great story. w/pix."
Revised December 18, 2017
Binding