The Legacy of Bryce, Arizona
Bryce, Arizona, is located in the upper Gila River valley in Graham County, Arizona, United States. The town of Bryce is named for the pioneer settler Ebenezer Bryce.
Ebenezer and his family arrived in the Gila Valley on the 17th of November in 1882, his 51st birthday. Initially, they lived on the south side of the River. On the north side of the River, Ebenezer soon began work on the Bryce Ditch to divert water from the Gila River. He finished the ditch on April 15th in the spring of 1883. In 1884, he moved his family across the river to be near his work.
He began clearing the land to create fields for planting. He built a temporary house made of wood. The family lived there while he built the red-brick home, which was completed in 1897. At one time, the community had a church house, school, grist mill, post office, store, and gas station.
Today, Bryce, Arizona, is a small agriculture community.
The Gila Mountains parallel the Gila River. The Gila Mountain range to the north of the town was named Bryce Mountain. It’s highest point, 7,298 feet, is named Bryce Peak. Ebenezer and his sons ran cattle on this range.
The Town of Bryce, Arizona, sign.
The Ebenezer Bryce Foundation Mission Statement
To preserve and restore the Ebenezer and Mary Ann Bryce home.
To educate community and family about life in the late 1800’s.
To honor pioneer women and men.
To provide a lasting tribute to Ebenezer Bryce and Mary Ann Park for their many contributions to family, church, and community.
