"Land of the standing up rocks" as named by the Apache Indians who roamed Cochise County and the land that is now the Chiricahua National Monument.  Cochise County was the target of our next ghost town tramp.

Cochise County, Arizona...named after legendary "present day" Chiricahua Apache Chief, Cochise is a land haunted with history.  Cochise is one of the most noted Apache leaders to resist the intrusions by European American during the 19th century, this included the area of the Cochise Stronghold, which served as a natural fortress for 15 years for Cochise and 1,000 of his followers, including 250 warriors.  Cochise was secretly buried in the Dragoon Mountains, although the location was never revealed.  

As one can imagine, driving through these winding hills, on dirt roads heightens the senses.  If you listen closely and look beyond the veil, you can hear and see the Apache warriors.  We took time to honor their immense presence, as this was and is their land. 

Driving around a land charged with native history is exciting enough.  However, we were there to find a few early settlements in the area, towns built on mining and busted when the ore ran dry.  Some of the mines in this area were worth millions. 

On our way to Tombstone, we made a quick stop in Benson and took these photos of the old Benson Motel.  Super creepy.  There was proof of inhabitants, but not of the spirit kind...lol.

Moving along, we drove to Tombstone, a favorite hangout for us.  Of course we had to take some time to cool down and relax at The Crystal Palace Saloon.  The Crystal Palace was originally known as the Golden

Eagle Brewing Company (which burned down) soon to be replaced with the Palace.  It is one of the first saloons in Tombstone.  The corner where the Palace sits is referred to as "one of the bloodiest intersections in American history."  More on Tombstone in another blog.  For now, we will carry on with our stop at theCrystal Palace on our way to Gleeson.

There is always time for a shot of whiskey and a game of pool at the Crystal Palace...lol.

Honey Jack is smooth.....

Onward, we drove south past town and turned left on Gleeson Road.  Gleeson was first settled as Turquoise in the 1870's in the Arizona Territory.  It was re-established as Gleeson in 1900.  Before town we discovered the Gleeson Cemetery.  It is still being used by locals and family members.  If you visit, be respectful.  

A few miles east we saw the remains of Gleeson.  Most of it is fenced off now and private property, but we manged a few photos and saw the restored Gleeson jail, which is a museum...however it was closed, as it was Sunday.

Next...finding Ghost Town Trail Road...and the ghost town of Courtland.  To be continued.....