Jack Beale Smith has spent the past 40 years researching and locating the Beale Wagon Road through the States of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This wagon road was explored and built from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Los Angeles, California during the years 1857-1860. This road was the first federally funded interstate highway to be constructed in the American Southwest, at a cost of $210,000.00 dollars. The War Department was given the project of construction. Also there were 6 Iron Bridges constructed over major rivers and creeks in Indian Territory (Oklahoma). The cost of this project was $75,000.00 Construction time for these bridges was 1859-1860.
I do enjoy the work you do. I metal detect on Tom and some others in that area, have found a lot of things.I have some info on Jessie Chissom, Fort Holmes, and Eward’s trading post if you are interested.
Hello Mr. Smith. We recently purchased and are restoring the Frontier Motel and Cafe in Truxton, AZ and we would very much like to speak with you about the Wagon Road. Please contact us at your convenience. Thanks! 928-769-1206