Historic 35th Parallel
Hell Canyon Bridge Site

Historical Significance:
The Historic 35th Parallel marker remembered the explorers who followed the path of the 35th parallel across northern Arizona. This route has been journeyed by Indians, missionaries, trappers, and military men. Hell Canyon, a steep gorge, was a major obstacle for north-south travel connecting Prescott and other communities with the northern railroads.

The plaque read, “Historic 35th parallel / For ages a route traveled by Indians – Missionaries – Trappers / U.S. Army survey in 1851 by Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves / In 1854 Lt. A. W. Whipple with scientists & troops made a topographical survey for a railroad to the Pacific / 1857-9 Lt. Edward E. Beale with his camel corps explored for a wagon road route of the Santa Fe R.R. / Hell’s Canyon bridge completed in 1954 by Arizona State Highway Department / Marker placed by Arizona Society Daughters of the American Revolution 1956.”

Three highway bridges have been built at or near this site, with the first constructed in 1922. Construction began on a second Hell Canyon Bridge in 1952 about one mile northwest of the 1922 bridge. This bridge was completed in 1954, and the DAR historical marker was placed at the south approach. In September 2016, the 1954 bridge was demolished, and the third bridge was opened.

The marker reportedly was moved to the Old Trails Museum in Winslow, but in March 2019 members of the Maricopa Chapter, NSDAR, verified with museum managers that the marker is not there. More information about the 1954 Hell Canyon bridge is available from the Library of Congress.

Dedicated:
November 3, 1956

Sponsor:
General George Crook Chapter, NSDAR