Tom Mix Memorial: A Tribute to a Cowboy Legend

The Tom Mix Memorial, situated on Arizona State Highway 79 between Florence and Oracle Junction, is a poignant tribute to Tom Mix, one of the first and most prominent cowboy stars of the silent film era. Born in Pennsylvania in 1880, Mix became a genuine cowboy before his Hollywood career, showcasing his horsemanship and charisma in over 300 films.On October 12, 1940, Mix tragically died in a car accident near this location. While driving his 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, he encountered a bridge construction site and crashed into a wash, now known as Tom Mix Wash. A heavy suitcase in the car struck him, causing fatal injuries.The memorial features a striking statue of Mix, capturing his iconic cowboy persona, alongside plaques detailing his life story and achievements. Visitors can stroll through the area to see the various tributes and inscriptions left by fans from around the world, adding a personal touch to the site. The monument has caught the eye of motorists passing by on Arizona State Highway 79; there's even a geocache placed at the site in the Western star's honor. One of the covered picnic tables next to the monument displays memorabilia about Mix, copies of newspaper accounts of his death, and a register for guests to sign.