Oct. 11, 1911: The second artesian well drilled for David Scott was located near the corner of what is now Cochise and 12th Street. The water was used to supply the residential subdivision called Scott Addition on the east side of the old Strahan homesteads. (Curtis Lindner collection.)

Residential and agricultural development had been nearly impossible without water. Homes were located near a spring, creek, irrigation ditch, or river. Most irrigated land was located below a ditch and various types of waterwheels and mechanical devices were used to raise water to the few cultivated areas above the ditches.

“Reliable news was received in Prescott that artesian water had been developed in the Verde Valley, on the ranch of Scott and Williams, near Cottonwood, and about half a mile from the post office. The discovery is occasioning considerable excitement in the valley and in Jerome.”

“The flow was demonstrated a few days ago, but the volume was limited, and oozed from the bore at irregular intervals and in limited quantities. When the drill reached a depth of 250 feet on Monday, August 21, however, there was a decided increase in flow, which came boiling out of the hole at a lively rate and reached a point over 2 feet above the surface of the ground. Measurements of the flow were taken and it was conservatively estimated at 10 miners’ inches or 75 gallons a minute. Drilling continues and the purpose is to gain greater depth. The casing in the well is down 135 feet.”

“This is the first artesian water discovered in Northern Arizona, and it promises to be the beginning of a new era in the district. Other places at a higher elevation and out of the range of gravity flow through irrigation ditches from the Verde River are to be drilled at an early date.”

(Weekly Journal-Miner; Prescott; Wed., Aug. 23, 1911; p. 6.)

“County Assessor Tom E. Campbell, who has returned from the Verde Valley, brings the important information that artesian water at 2 places on the ranch of David Scott has been discovered. The feverish excitement has suddenly seized the people encouraging them to devote their time to an industry that passes from problematical to real.”

“Going into details, he states that he personally investigated this artesian water field on what is commonly known as the valley table lands. Mr. Scott drilled one 8-inch hole a few weeks ago, and when the depth of 230 feet had been reached, an artesian flow of about 120 gallons a minute was developed. Some people were inclined not to consider the demonstration worthy of more than passing attention and were of the opinion that the well would soon drain itself.”

“In order to arrive at a definite conclusion as to the existence of a subterranean flow of water, David Scott selected a point about a quarter of a mile distant from the original well and started drilling. Late last week the bit reached a depth of 255 feet, when a light flow came to the surface. Continuing to a point 275 feet deep the flow increased and is now measured at over 400 gallons per minute. So elated is the owner, that he proposes to sink both wells to a depth of 400 feet.”

“Mr. Campbell believes that artesian water will be encountered upon all the so-called mesa lands of the Verde Valley, which lie above the line of irrigating ditches. These uncultivated lands extending from Sycamore Creek to Camp Verde embrace approximately 40,000 acres, one-third of which can easily be adapted to farming because the soil is identical to the well-known Haskell and Kirwagen fruit ranches. [Located near Haskell Springs in the area above what became Yavapai College.]

“David Scott is receiving much commendation and a great deal of credit for his faith and energy in solving the vital water problem, and that too in the face of expert opinion that artesian water could not be found in that section, especially at such a shallow depth.”

Thomas Taylor, superintendent of the United Verde Copper Company smelter at Clarkdale, drilled the third artesian well on his ranch adjacent to land owned by David Scott. Artesian water was reached at a depth of 190 feet.

“Water bubbling from this well will irrigate about 55 acres with a minimum of expense” about 1 mile from the river. “Adjoining is the ranch of Harry Dicus, who is sinking a well.” (Weekly Journal-Miner; Jan. 3, 1912.)

“The striking of artesian water on the ranch of Charles D. Willard, at Cottonwood, created considerable discussion. [With a water tank on top of the hill, this became the basis of Cottonwood Water Works, which supplied water to new homes and businesses as the town grew. The 6th well is near his home on Main Street; the 1917 well is on Cactus.] The flow was estimated at 150 gallons per minute. This makes the 6th artesian well demonstrated in that locality since the original wells developed by [his father-in-law] David Scott. All are flowing steadily and several hundred acres of new land” are being cultivated. (Weekly Journal-Miner; June 12, 1912.)

1 Year After Artesian Water Was Discovered: “Supervisor Alonzo Mason, of Cottonwood, reports the country is passing through a decidedly prosperous era. No one is thinking of leaving, but there is a steady stream of new arrivals. Artesian water continues to attract attention and several hundred acres of uplands are being cultivated. Every well flows the maximum amount of water today, as when it was first drilled. C. V. Hopkins [east of Main Street], Harry Dicus, and T. C. Jolly are drilling for artesian water on their respective homesteads. (Weekly Journal-Miner; Oct. 18. 1912.)

Because of the lack of water for development, only 21 homesteads in Township 16 (about from Bridgeport to TAPCO) had been granted by 1900. Artesian wells made agricultural development possible and many new homestead claims were made after 1911.

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