Desert Sheriffs

The Territorial History of the Pima County Sheriff's Office

Covering the years 1859 to 1912, the book tells the exploits of the Pima County Sheriff's Office. Arizona became a territory of the United States in 1863 and a full fledge state in 1912. During this time period, the Arizona Territory went from the wild west to a civilized society. The Pima County Sheriff's Office played a key roll in this transition. The story laid out illustrates the difference between the law officer in western films and the reality of the law enforcement in the real west. The book tells the story of the history, structure and the responsibilities of the office. It also tells of the crimes which were endemic to old west society. There were seven lawful hangings in territorial Pima County. They are listed here as is the story behind each one. Read about stage coach and train robberies which plagued Pima County during the territorial period and the deadly fate of one of the robbers. The manuscript is illustrated with photographs showing incidents described in the text.