The Williams Robbery:

The Williams Robbery:

It was in 1886, that one of many robberies took place along the old stage route that ran between Prescott and Phoenix where Black Canyon City is today. The outlaw's name was Fredrick Williams. He tried his luck at ranching but was not making ends meet like he had hoped. So he took to a new line of work robbing Stage Coaches. His first robbery sadly would also be his last. 

Just about two hours after sunrise and right on time, the stage was coming around a bend where Williams had laid some brush over the road to stop the stage. As the stage came to a halt, Williams approached and soon realized that the stage was not carrying any type of Strongbox, payroll or gold intended for delivery to a Mint. 

In a furious rage, Williams robbed the driver and between 5-7 passengers of their coin & paper money,  jewelry, firearms and other possessions. Once Williams finished cleaning out the passengers, he then ran through the Catclaw & Cholla to where his horse was tied then made his get away. 

Estimated over $2,500 in cash, jewelry and property was stolen.

It was not long before a pose was raised to track and chase down the bandit. Miners, soldier's & ranch hands made up the pose. They caught up to Williams that very night and not even very far from where the hold-up had occurred. The pose called out for a peaceful surrender but Williams ran for it and shot wildly into the dark before being gunned down. 

His pocket watch, pistol & letters all bore the name Fredrick Williams. But most of the items that were taken from the robbery like the money and jewelry were never recovered. 

I have heard some people say that it is still buried near the site of the hold up near Black Canyon City. Most likely the hold up site was Black Canyon Hill as that was the location of so many stage robberies during the late 1800's.

Even though this is a small treasure compared to others in our state. If this loot could be found, it would be a great pay day as well as a priceless piece of our states wild wild past.

If while on your adventures this weekend you find yourself near Black Canyon City, maybe stop and take a look around. You never know what you might find!