MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The Chaves Trail is named for Lt. Col. J. Francisco Chaves, First Cavalry, New Mexico Volunteers. The sign near this historic trail will tell you more. (note that many sources use "Chaves and Chavez" interchangeably, however, Chaves is correct)
In 1864, President Lincoln tasked Lt Col J. Francis Chaves to escort the new territorial governor of Arizona from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Ft. Whipple in Prescott to set up the territorial government. Unfortunately, there was no road between the two cities. One major obstacle was the descent off Arizona's Mogollon Rim into the Verde Valley. Chavez's navigation skills led to a stage route and thus was born the path of the Blue Grade Road. I have placed several caches along the "Blue Grade Road."
It fascinates me how much history is in the Verde Valley. Take time to visit Fort Verde Museum in Camp Verde for more information.
The cache is about the size of a pint jar and easy to find. Please rehide it well since a lot of people stop here. Bring your own pen since the cache isn't deep enough to hold a long pen. I may add a pencil in the future, but come prepared. Fit's small trade items and TB's.
José Francisco Chaves (June 27, 1833 – November 26, 1904) José Francisco Chaves - Wikipedia
Congratulations to Warren, Cache_Monkeys, for FTF! Wow at 04:00 in the dark and COLD on Christmas Day! That's a dedicated cacher!