1931 12 Fountain Honoring Lt Jack and Trinidad Swilling

Fountain Honoring
Jack and Trinidad Swilling

Marker: 
 Jack and Trinidad Swilling Plaque on Fountain
 
Location: 
County-City Administration Building
125 W. Washington Street                                                                  
Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

33.447702, -112.075799

Historical Significance:        
John W. “Jack” Swilling was a Confederate lieutenant and miner who founded a settlement in the Salt River Valley. He was inspired by the canal system used by the Hohokam and founded the Swilling Irrigating & Canal Co. in 1867. He was in Yuma when he died, and he is buried in Yuma cemetery, Catholic section. His wife, Trinidad Escalante (1850-1925), born in Hermosillo, Mexico, went on to run the Swilling Company long after Jack Swilling died on August 12, 1878.

The plaque reads, “In memory of Lieut. Jack W. Swilling 1831 – 1878 who built the first modern irrigation ditch and Trinidad, his wife 1850 – 1925 / who established in 1868 the first pioneer home in the Salt River Valley / Erected by Maricopa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1931.”

Dedicated: 
December 1931

Sponsor: 
Maricopa Chapter, NSDAR

A snapshot of the marker. Marker text is in the body of this page.
Plaque, undated image.
A studio photographic portrait of John “Jack” Swilling, seated, holding a pistol and hat.
John W. “Jack” Swilling, ca. 1875, photographer unknown. From a print held by the Arizona Historical Society, Library & Archives. Image is in the public domain.
A painted portrait of Trinidad Swilling. She is portrayed as an older woman wearing a dark dress or blouse with a brooch and lace fichu.
Trinidad Escalante Swilling Schumaker, from a painting, artist and date unknown.
A snapshot of the Swilling Fountain with the stairway and doors to the Maricopa County Courthouse in the background.
Swilling Fountain at the Maricopa County Courthouse, undated image.
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