Courtesy of the Concho Historical Society, Concho, Arizona

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In the year 1863, Arizona Territory was separated from the New Mexico Territory, President Abraham Lincoln appointed John N. Goodwain, as the first Arizona Territorial Govenor.

In charge of escorting the Govenor and his party to the new Arizona Territorial capital at Prescott, was a young military officer, Lt Colonel Joseph Francisco Chaves, U.S. Army, 1st N.M. Cavalry, and his troops.

The party arrived at Navajo Springs, Yavapai County (now in Apache County), and on December 29, 1863, Governor Goodwin took the oath of office as Govenor of the new territory. Later the party arrived at Ft. Whipple, near Prescott.

In the special census; Colonel Joseph Francisco Chaves is listed as the Commanding Officer at Ft. Whipple. Some 240 soldiers were stationed there. Both infantry and Cavalry companies, from several other states.

The following is taken from a recollection of Colonel Chaves by former Govenor Miguel A. Ortega of N.M. (Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves, 1833-1904).

Another interesting incident which I recall was during my term as Govenor of the Territory of New Mexico. I had been invited by Govenor N.O. Murphy, at that time of the Territory of Arizona, to attend a statehood convention to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was further requested to invite any guests from New Mexico to accompany me, whom I wished in my party.

I was accompanied by my staff and a few guests, among them being Col. J. Francsico Chaves. I, of course, knew that Col. Chaves had commanded the escort sent under direct orders from President Lincoln, to accompany the first Territorial officials.

When the party reached Navajo Springs, they celebrated the organization of the Territory of Arizona. Arizona formerly belonged to New Mexico, and was the Western County of New Mexico known as Santa Ana County. It was created by an act of Congress dated Feb 24, 1863, and proclaimed as a Territory by President Lincoln, immediately after pasing the Act.

When our party arrived at Ashfork, Az, Gov. Murphy, together with his staff, met us with a special train, leaving at once for Prescot, Az, where wer given an elegant banquet and reception, at the Burke Hotel, after a drive around the surrounding country. We had a most enjoyable time, and were escorted to our waiting train in the "wee sma" hours", by almost the entrie population of Prescott.