October 19, 2022 www.DesertMessenger.com 23
The Desert Survivor
If trees could talk...
Would they paint a portrait of
Arizona's climate, inhabitants and
events? Would they be an impartial
witness and tell it like they saw it?
Arizona's rich history has been wit-
nessed by many, but none so endur-
ing as these living specimens. Some
planted by pioneers for specifi c pur-
poses, some happened upon and
used throughout the years for what
we Arizonans needed at various
times throughout statehood. They
are a living legacy enjoyed and uti-
lized by Arizona's inhabitants and
now honored for their service.
These Witness Trees were dedi-
cated as part of Arizona's Centen-
nial, verifi ed to have witnessed Ari-
zona's statehood form February 14,
1912, to February 14, 2012.
This ironwood tree resides in the
town of Quartzsite. It is in remark-
able condition for its age - 1,050
years old, as determined by the La
Paz County University of Arizona
Extension offi ce- probably due to its
location close to a wash. It is view-
able by a trail outside of the Town
Hall, north of the water tank. It has
witnessed the ages from the same
location and recently in its his-
tory has become accustomed to the
yearly winter population boom of
Quartzsite, located along Interstate
10 next to the Arizona/California
border. Ironwoods are known for
their dense timber, as limbs from
these trees do not fl oat.
Quartzsite's Centennial Tree
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