“Arizona N.M. Nov. 21” (1860) Circular Datestamp Used in Arizona County in Recently Established Provisional Government of Arizona Territory. Two clear strikes of circular datestamp, one tying 10c Green, Ty. V (35), well-centered, short perfs at left, on buff cover to Catherine B. Foote in Delhi, New York, sender’s directive “Overland Mail Route”, minor repair along left edge

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN OUTSTANDING ARIZONA TERRITORIAL COVER FROM THE TOWN OF ARIZONA CITY AT THE YUMA CROSSING, USED DURING THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT PERIOD. THE COUNTY NAME OF DONA ANA WAS CHANGED TO “ARIZONA” IN FEBRUARY 1860.

The town of Arizona City (or Arizona) was established in 1854 by Charles D. Poston and originally named Colorado City. Consisting of adobe dwellings, two stores and two saloons, it was situated on the bank of the Colorado River, opposite Fort Yuma, California. By 1858 the town became known as “Arizona City” or simply “Arizona” (the official post office name). John Blake Dow was appointed postmaster on March 17, 1858, but was replaced by Lansford Warren Hastings three months later, on July 17. The post office and Butterfield station were one small counter in the Hooper mercantile store. Originally part of Dona Ana County, New Mexico Territory, on February 1, 1860, Arizona City became part of Arizona County, New Mexico Territory. Arizona County comprised all the land of the Gadsden Purchase west of a line close to the current New Mexico-Arizona border. On April 2-5, 1860, 31 delegates from thirteen towns in the Gadsden Purchase region met in Tucson and voted to create a provisional government for the Territory of Arizona “until Congress shall organize a territorial government...”

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables