Smuggler's
Trail
The infamous Clanton Gang had two crude dugouts here in the 1880's that served as hideouts
and a base for wide-ranging outlaw activities, particularly in connection with the Curly
Bill Gang's depredations along the Smuggler's Trail that passed by here. Smugglers
once crossed this area with mule trains of contraband from Mexico to be traded for
merchandise in Arizona. In the summer of 1881, a group of Mexican smugglers were
killed in Skeleton Canyon by members of the Clanton gang, including Old Man Clanton, Ike
and Billy Clanton, and Curly Bill. Old Man Clanton was ambushed below the border in
revenge for a Skeleton Canyon massacre.
August 2003
Back
Animas
Home Page |
