Kearny Welcome Sign

Uptown Kearny – Photo Courtesy of Sam Hosler

Kearny, named in honor of General Stephen Watts Kearny, and his dragoons, who camped on the Gila River on their way to California in 1846 was officially established in 1959. When the local Kennecott Mining Company decided to change from underground to open pit mining, the towns of Ray and Sonora had to be moved.  At the same time, Kennecott was building a new smelter in Hayden and homes were being demolished to make room for the expansion.  The need for more housing to accommodate these populations marked the beginning of a new town named Kearny, over 55 years ago.

Pinal County Building and Town Police and Fire Station in Kearny

Kearny is nestled at the base of the Pinal Mountain Range. The location provides prime opportunities for some of the best outdoor recreation in Arizona.  For those that enjoy driving all-terrain vehicles the Mescal Mountains off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area has some of Arizona’s Best developed trails. Mescal Mountains has everything from rolling hills to steep mountains, flat washes and riverbed areas. It is perfect for both novices but also challenging for the experienced trailblazer.  Or for those that prefer a more relaxed day there is always golfing at the Kearny Golf Course or a picnic at Kearny Lake.

Newly Restored Porter Rail Locomotive at the Rail and Copper Park

And make sure to stop by uptown’s Rail and Copper Park to see the red caboose, mining cars and the newly restored Porter air locomotive that was used by Kennecott Copper Corporation in the original underground Ray Copper Mine to haul men, ore and supplies from 1925 to 1955.

Copper Cart in the Rail and Copper Park

(Courtesy photo)

Kearny Lake, while it has been fisherman’s best-kept secret as a prime place to catch bass and catfish, has also attracted those who want a peaceful, lakeside picnic, or enjoy some outdoors with some camping, is located off of State Route 177 just outside of the town of Kearny.

After a major portion of the existing park was swept away from a flood in 1983, town  and park officials decided they would create a lake, as well as set up places for picnics and camping (with 12 campsites available). Today, the area is managed by the Kearny Parks Department, and the lake is stocked from November to March with catchable-sized rainbow trout. Other species available include largemouth bass, catfish and, of course, sunfish. Boats are allowed on the lake, although motors are limited to electric trolling motors.

It may be a small and humble recreational area, but with the seclusion its a fisherman’s or outdoorsman’s dream.