John Ward Ranch AZ
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Description: In 1858, Arizona pioneer Johnny Ward founded a ranch in this area. In 1861, his Mexican stepson, Felix Ward, was abducted by Native Americans. Initially, military officers suspected the local eastern Chiracahua Apaches, which triggered the well-known confrontation between Lieutenant Bascom and Cochise. However, it was later revealed that the Pinal Band of the Western Apaches had taken Felix. Johnny Ward passed away in 1867. Over the years, the ranch served various purposes, including hosting a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, acting as a mining headquarters, operating as a store, and eventually transitioning into a productive farm. However, in 1903, the site was abandoned.