The Joan De Arc Crusader presents
A Tribute to a Bygone Arizona Amusement Park
Sounds On
A Tribute to a Bygone Arizona Amusement Park
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

Cochises Stronghold

The "River of Legends" river ride was a centerpiece attraction when Legend City first opened. The original ride incorporated a number of defining elements that remained present throughout the entire run of the river ride attraction, such as the Indian attacks and the earthquake. However, after the ride was renamed "Cochise's Stronghold" in the mid '60s, most of the scenes became loosely based on actual place names in southeastern Arizona such as the San Simon River, Fort Bowie and Apache Pass. The fact that the San Simon was not navigable and Fort Bowie never had a port seemed minor details at the time. The water for the river ride came from the effluence of the Phoenix Zoo next door to the park. Heaven forbid anyone ever fell into this cauldron of animal waste! Except where otherwise noted, these photos are courtesy of Dick Kraus, who created many of the animated effects.
Click on any photo below for an enlarged view and detailed notes.
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