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Archiver > AZGREENL > 2007-07 > 1183700447
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Subject: Re: [AZGREENL] Mexicano/Morenci Cemetery
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2007 05:40:47 -0000
This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Author: elvapor
Surnames: Reyes, Granado, Calderon, Morones, Valdez
Classification: queries
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.arizona.counties.greenlee/136.1.1.3/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
Dear jmasaturn,
It was a nice surprise to have a response to a posting of mine made so long ago. Thanks!
Yes there are many headstones still in place. I never actually made a count or survey. However, I estimate there are over two hundred graves with about fifty or so having readable headstones. The cemetery is abandoned and is slowly deteriorating. There are some graves that are being actively maintained and cared for. If I remember correctly, there was at least one new internment within the last few years.
The graves don't seem to be separated by race or creed. I assume all are Catholic. The internments are of mostly Mexican Americans. Although, the few Anglo and Italian graves that are there seem to be concentrated toward the top of hill near the closed access road. I would guess that because of the extremely difficult topography, only the most humble of Morenci's former residents would be laid to rest here.
If you like poking around old graveyards and have a family connection to the area, I would say that it would definitely be worth the trip to this area. There are many historic sites in and around the Clifton/Morenci area.
>From Los Angeles, a car trip would be quite the "long haul". It's close to an eleven hour trip. If you can get a deal, a flight into Tucson and renting a car might be a better alternative. I have been told that lodging in Morenci is unavailable. There is one motel in Morenci and it is reported to be booked up by contractors (working for the Phelps-Dodge copper mine) for the next year. There is the Rode Inn in Clifton but availability is problematical because of the influx of contractors. Lodging should be available in the town of Safford which is forty minutes away from Morenci/Clifton. There are a lot of motels there. Lots of contractors too. Be sure to make reservations. If you have an RV, there is a RV park in Clifton with full hook ups.
If you go, wait until mid October or after. The heat during the summer is of course quite uncomfortable. Once again the Morenci/Mexicano Cemetery is located on a hill side and is physically challenging to explore. Hiking boots and clothing resistant to Mesquite spines are a must.
Also take a look at the Clifton's Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery which for some reason is located on the edge of Morenci. It's also very interesting and has a fair number of historic graves much like Morenci/Mexicano. In some ways this cemetery is in probably worse shape than Morenci/Mexicano even though it is still active and "in use". Most of the oldest graves have been obliterated. Still, it is much easier to explore and still has many interesting headstones.
Rick Reyes
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