advertisement
6 May 2024
Artist credit: Charlie Burchmore
In Arizona folklore, the Red Ghost stands out as a figure of intrigue and fear. Allegedly roaming the Arizonan frontier during the late 19th century, this creature was said to be a large, red camel bearing a human skeleton upon its back. The legend of the Red Ghost gripped the imaginations of Arizonans, spreading far and wide until its supposed demise at the turn of the 20th century. The story took a chilling turn in 1893 when a farmer encountered the creature in his yard and fatally shot it, only to discover the shocking truth: a genuine human skeleton was strapped to the camel’s back.
The origins of the Red Ghost legend are rooted in the ambitious experiment known as the Camel Corps. In the mid-19th century, as the United States expanded westward, military forces sought innovative solutions to transportation challenges in arid regions. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis proposed the use of camels as pack animals, and in 1855, Congress allocated $30,000 for the project. The Army procured 70 camels from the Mediterranean, and the Camel Corps was born. However, the project’s success was short-lived. With the outbreak of the Civil War, the experiment was largely abandoned, and the camels were sold off or set loose, their fate uncertain.
The legend of the Red Ghost began to circulate in 1883 with a series of chilling encounters. Ranchers reported sightings of a massive, reddish-colored beast ridden by a sinister figure. Tragically, one rancher’s wife lost her life in a confrontation with the creature. Subsequent sightings described the Red Ghost as towering over wagons and even besting a grizzly bear. The most chilling detail? A human skeleton mounted on the camel’s back, serving as a grim reminder of its eerie presence.
Despite attempts to capture or kill the Red Ghost, it continued to haunt the Arizona wilderness until its final encounter in 1893. Farmer Mizoo Hastings bravely confronted the creature and ended its reign of terror with a single shot. Upon closer inspection, the true nature of the beast was revealed: it was a camel, its back adorned with leather straps so tight they scarred the animal’s flesh. The mystery of why a dead man was strapped to its back remains unsolved, with various theories emerging over the years.
The legacy of the Red Ghost endures in Arizona’s folklore and history. A sculpture commemorating the enigmatic camel stands in Quartzite, Arizona, not far from the grave of Hi Jolly, an Ottoman camel driver who once served in the Camel Corps. Despite the passage of time, the legend of the Red Ghost continues to captivate imaginations, serving as a reminder of the untamed wilderness and the mysteries that lie within.
advertisement
Arizona is more than just desert landscapes and the Grand Canyon; it’s a state that stands out for a variety of reasons that set it apart from many other states in the U.S. Arizona has developed a reputation for embracing individuality and, in some cases, doing things better than some states. Let’s explore some of the things that make Arizona unique that you may not have known. advertisement 1. No Daylight Saving Time One of the most unique aspects of Arizona is that the state does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). While the rest of the country shifts its
Arizona is currently experiencing a period of remarkable growth. From adding jobs and increasing its population to welcoming more businesses, the state is solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Arizona’s transformation is not just a short-term trend; it’s a testament to strategic planning, smart policy-making, and an influx of motivated individuals looking to make Arizona their home. Here’s a closer look at why Arizona is on the rise. advertisement Booming Job Growth in Arizona In the last 10 years, Arizona added more than 380,000 new jobs, with the state’s job growth ranking fifth in
Arizona is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, and the rich ecosystem faces many challenges, with habitat loss being the most pressing issue, leading to the endangerment of species across the state. Arizona currently has 71 endangered and threatened species, and efforts to protect these species are more essential than ever. Habitat Loss and the Impact on Arizona’s Wildlife Severe drought and climate change are exacerbating habitat loss in Arizona. In addition, non-native diseases and invasive species are further disrupting the delicate balance of Arizona’s ecosystems. These factors have left many of the state’s native species struggling to
Mesa, Arizona, has become the latest city in the Phoenix metro area to implement a ban on feeding wild birds, joining the ranks of Phoenix and Tempe, which have already enacted similar measures. The new law, passed in 2019, aims to curb the growing problem of excessive bird droppings in public spaces and private properties, but it has stirred up mixed reactions from the public.
advertisement
