San Simon, AZ RoadyGoat
San Simon, Arizona, owes much of its existence to the iron horse. The Southern Pacific Railroad carved its way through the landscape in the late 1800s, transforming what was likely a scattering of ranches into a recognized stop. Before that, the stagecoach rumbled through, and a station offered a brief respite to travelers crossing this part of the territory. The town took its name from the San Simon River, a waterway that proved both a blessing and a curse. The early 20th century brought devastating floods, challenges that tested the resilience of the small community. Despite these setbacks, agriculture and ranching took root, becoming the lifeblood of the area. Though the Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series win was celebrated throughout Arizona, in San Simon, high school football rivalries likely held just as much sway in local conversation. At an elevation of 4,104 feet, it remains a quiet place, a rural landscape offering serenity and a touch of cooler air compared to the lower deserts surrounding it.