Queen Creek, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

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Desert Wells Chapter
Queen Creek, Arizona

National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution

Welcome!

Welcome to the website of the Desert Wells Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving Queen Creek, Arizona, and surrounding areas.

Queen Creek, Arizona, is a fast-growing community located on the southeast edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, straddling Maricopa and Pinal counties.

Our chapter is named for the Desert Wells Stage Stop located on the former Andrade Ranch in Queen Creek, owned and maintained by the San Tan Historical Society.

Three quarters of a mile south of Ocotillo Road, on the east side of Sossaman Road, is the site of the old Desert Wells Stage Stop. The pioneers described it as a simple one room building about 10 foot square, constructed of rock with a mud and thatched roof.

There was a trough running around three of the sides used for watering the horses, a porch on the south side, and a well close by to fill the trough. It had one four-foot door on the south side, and small gun ports instead of windows. The stage stop was a resting area and water stop for the horses used by the stage that came from Florence via Olberg and continu[ed] through the gap in the San Tan Mountains and on to Mesa, Arizona. This stage route was in use in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The Arizona Stage Company operating in 1868 is believed to be the carrier that used this out of the way route. Jasper Sossaman reported when he first moved to the Queen Creek area with his mother and brothers in 1919, that the stage stop had not been used for three years.

Even though this was a small spur stop, it holds a significant role in Queen Creek's history and folklore, and is treasured by the community.

~Frances Brandon Pickett
Histories and Precious Memories of the Queen Creek area, Arizona 1916-1960
(San Tan Historical Society:Queen Creek, AZ, 1996)

What is the DAR?

The DAR is a non-profit, non-political, worldwide service organization formed in 1890 and devoted to promoting Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotic Endeavor. By joining DAR you will give something back to the United States of America. It is a way to keep American and family history alive. It gives young women a straight path to conservation, education, and women's accomplishments. The DAR gives expression to the concepts of God, Home, and Country. For younger women, it's an opportunity to add to their college resumes showing community service.

Membership in the DAR is a unique chance to establish your lineage and heritage as a descendant of a patriot of the American Revolution. American citizenship is not a requirement.

How can I join?

E-mail Shara Forrister for information on joining DAR.

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Website last updated: 3 January 2009
Questions or Comments on this website should be directed to: Webmaster

Website created by ASDAR Member Shara Forrister