Where is Leroux Island?

Leroux Island is noted on Sitgreaves' map of 1851 and depicted in Kern's drawing but he doesn't mention the island in his daily journal. You won't find it on any modern map but the "island" is visible from a paved highway. It is located in the floodplain of the usually dry Little Colorado River a little upstream from where it's joined by the Zuni River.  Here is part of Sitgreaves' map showing "Leroux I.d":

To see Leroux Island take Arizona Route 61 west out of Saint Johns, Arizona.  After about 3 miles take US Highway 180 northwest toward Holbrook.  After about nine miles you'll emerge from the hills and see the Little Colorado floodplain with the island in "mid-stream" just north of the highway.  The island is on private land so please get permission before leaving the highway.

© Copyright 2005