When I arrived in Gleeson for the first time, I actually drove right through it. The fact that I was in the middle of nowhere, in a rental, and traveling at a high rate of speed did not help my situation. When I got out of my car and pulled out the Tombstone Visitor Center's Gleeson directions/history photocopy, I realized I was standing next to the town's former hospital (below).
While walking around in the hot desert heat on that quiet summer day, it was easy to imagine how the daily functions of this town in the late 1800s. The town's general store and former saloon (below) was likely the center of commerce and entertainment. Where daily mail arrived on stage-coach and passengers boarded to head out of town. The mesquite tree standing in front of the saloon probably dates back to when this town was in its mining prime.
It was exciting for me to be here in this town. It was facinating to think about a young man leaving his family and his country behind in Ireland and now here he was mining in America in a town named after himself. There isn't much printed about John Gleeson on the web, but I was eager to learn more.
The jailhouse (below) was still in great condition. When I entered the jailhouse, I remember thinking to myself that it was rather small. It was easy to distinguish where the detainees resided when this jail was active. The window bars were still secured within the walls. The jailhouse sat a top of a small hilltop and provided good visibility of the general store, the hospital, and the mines off in the distance. The town's sheriff could have easily strolled down to the saloon, armed with a six-shooter, and pick-up anyone in who might have been causing trouble.
What was unique about being in Gleeson was much of the town was standing in some form or another. The dry Arizona weather has preserved the adobe structures of these old towns and they are in relatively good condition. There was more of Gleeson to see than many of the other ghost towns that I had a chance to see. Gleeson is so far removed from civilization, it seem likely that it is not explored by the masses. It is relatively undisturbed.
some cool photo's there man! nice one!
G