This early 1900s map showed the major roads in southern California, Looking west of the map, you will see no roads heading into Wrightwood. Looking to the east (in the Mojave Desert), Box S Ranch is the lone designated area. One of Al Swarthout's ranch hands was a young Indian named Willie-boy...the Chimehuevis who was the main player in what was called the "West's Last Famous Manhunt." At the time of his pursuit, it was said that he aun to the Heart Bar Ranch (Swarthout's spread) to fetch supplies, and hopeful a horse from his employer. Willie-boy didn't get that help, for Al Swarthout was in the range working his stock. His other hired hand was gone, too. His name was Charlie Reche. He was involved with the posse that was hunting Willie-boy down. Willie-boy was forced to reverse his direction of travel, thus ending in a canyon near "The Pipes", where he faced his destiny. He met Charlie along the way...he put a bullet hole in the deputy's back and plum killed his horse, too!
Terry Graham,
Wrightwood, Ca
November 2008
