Bates Well Ranch, Historic cattle ranch in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona.
Bates Well Ranch is a former Gray family cattle ranch in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Pima County, Arizona. Its main ranch house, probably a miners' cabin originally, was moved from the Growler Mine to Bates Well in 1942, with a northern portion added after relocation. The site also holds two wells, the earlier possibly dug by W.B. Bates about 1870, and the remains of an arrastra used for ore milling in the early 20th century.
The original well may have been dug by W.B. Bates around 1870, and Reuben Daniels dug a later well around 1913. The main ranch house was moved from the Growler Mine to Bates Well in 1942, probably originating as a miners' cabin. Henry Gray, son of Robert Louis Gray, developed the property from 1935 and lived there until his death in 1976, when ranching ceased.
The ranch carries several names: Bates Well, Growler Well, Gray Ranch and El Veit. Henry Gray, son of Robert Louis Gray, ran the property from 1935 and lived there until his death in 1976, when ranching in the monument area ended.
This site lies within a protected monument and visitors must obtain proper permits before exploring the grounds. Check current access rules with the monument office before planning your visit.
The main ranch house was moved from the Growler Mine site to Bates Well in 1942, following Gray family practice of reusing buildings. It probably began as a miners' cabin, and its northern portion was likely added after the move. An arrastra for milling ore stood on the property in the early 20th century.
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