Salt River:
Site of Hayden’s Ferry
Marker:
Site of Hayden’s Ferry
Location:
Southwest corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona
33.429383, -111.940217
Historical Significance:
Charles Trumbull Hayden built and operated Hayden’s Ferry in 1871. He also established the first flour mill in the Salt River Valley of Arizona in 1874. La Casa Vieja was Charles Hayden’s home and where his son, Carl Trumbell Hayden, was born. Carl became the first member of the House of Representatives from Arizona, where he served eight terms, followed by seven terms as U.S. Senator from Arizona. He became the longest serving member of the U.S. Congress.
The Hayden house became Monti’s La Casa Vieja Restaurant which operated for 60 years before closing in November 2014. Hayden House has been rehabilitated through the city of Tempe.
The plaque reads, “Site of Hayden’s Ferry / 1200 feet northeast of this marker / Established in 1871 when the Salt River was a flowing stream and a barrier to travel. The ferry was held on course by a wire cable taut across the river. It was an important link in settling the Southwest. / Built and operated by Charles Trumbull Hayden / who established the first flour mill in the Salt River Valley. / La Casa Vieja built in 1871 was the Hayden home. / Placed by Arizona Society Daughters of the American Revolution 1964.”
Dedicated:
February 22, 1964
Sponsor:
