The Fickle Gila River

It’s common knowledge in the Great Southwest that creeks usually have more water than rivers. The conduct of Arizona’s rivers is as wayward as that of her politicians. In 1885, the citizens of Florence petitioned the territorial legislature for a bridge across the Gila River so they could get to the Salt River Valley when the river was up. They got their appropriation and the bridge was built and dedicated. One morning the citizens looked out to see the fickle river had changed its course, b