A new road bridged Phoenix and Prescott.
The idea for a wagon road from Phoenix to Prescott by way of Agua Fria River was first proposed in 1866. Both the Army and local businessmen wanted a more direct road between the two towns.
In 1870, John Marion, editor of the Prescott Miner, traveled with Colonel George Stoneman, commander of the newly created Department of Arizona, on a tour of the territory. Marion’s journal vividly recorded the tremendous difficulties encountered while climbing the steep, boulder-strewn Black Canyon. Marion still pressed the matter. Funds were raised and in November 1873 the first wagon train completed the 95-mile journey.