Crazy dinosaur marketing schemes, lighthouses, giant golf ball houses, wayward donkeys, naked bookstore owners, and now this.
A pyramid.
Arizona is probably the coolest state when it comes to unique and odd attractions. I used to think I’d have to go to Egypt or Mexico to see a pyramid, but no. Arizona has a pyramid in Quartzsite.
In 1856 the US Army decided it would be a good idea to bring camels over from the Middle East.
Our government 150 years ago? Not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, so how well do you think this worked?
To their way of thinking, the camels would better make the hot, dry trip across the desert than the horses. Ok, that almost makes sense…
But when they imported the 70 animals, they neglected to consider camels are not horses and are not trained like horses.
In case you don’t know, camels are not sweet like horses.
And the US government is still none-too-bright 150 years later, but you know that.
However, in a rare moment of lucidity, they decided to bring over from the Middle East several experienced camel drivers. One of those drivers was named Hadji Ali.
Since most Americans couldn’t pronounce the name, they just called him ‘Hi Jolly’ – the phonetic spelling of the pronunciation.
*sigh* Do I really live here??
Well, I bet you’ve guessed what happened. Like so many of the US government’s brilliant plans, and through no fault of Hadji Ali, this one failed miserably. However, Hadji Ali decided to stay in Arizona. The camels did, too.
Hadji Ali's ("Hi Jolly") Monument
He became a successful business man, married, and died in Arizona. He was so well loved and respected, the citizens of Quartzsite built a beautiful quartz pyramid for his tomb in 1902, the year of his death.
About fifty years later, the usual length of time it takes the US Government to get their shit together, they came along and attached a brass camel to the top, and a brass plaque to the front of the pyramid, commemorating Hadji Ali’s service to the government.
Better late than never, that’s their motto.
Next up… I get my apocalypse on in Slab City, CA. Hold on to your hats, this is going to be a wild ride.
Today he would be labeled as just another prospective terrorist. I’m surprised Arizona hasn’t tried to deport his remains.
/sarcasm
bluzdude’s last post ..Illegal Procedures
Sad, but true. Bigotry is alive and well in the US.
[...] There’s a pyramid in Arizona. I don’t think the Egyptians built it, but what do I know. [...]
Curiously, stef and i were walking through a vintage store in Benecia a couple of weeks ago and two old timers were lounging in back discussing that very topic about the camels.
I love it! What a small world, eh? I think that’s a sign you and Stef should check it out on your way to N.O. And I do hope you’ll blog about your adventures!
Your style hasn’t changed, young lady; it still rocks! Sorry I’ve been AWOL. but life gets in the way of bloghopping sometimes!
Thanks, Darlin’! Nice to see you at my little spot on the webs! No worries, I’ve been in the same boat… I feel awful I haven’t had much time to bloghop. I miss knowing what’s going on in everyone’s world.
I can only say…I am so glad you live here! Keep on traveling and making the world a touch more brilliant. And bringing to light people like Hadji Ali and those small treasures we overlook.
Jeane’s last post ..A Mind Full of Chaos…
Thank you
I’m happy to live here, too. America is full of stuff like this. I love it.
are you still milling around AZ? Ever making it to Phoenix?
Mrs. Tuna’s last post ..The Stocking Box
Hi Mrs. T! If I can trade in my car for a towed/toad in time, I’ll be back in AZ in mid-January for the show in Quartzsite. Then I’ll beheading slowly east. I would love to get together again when I get near Phoenix.
How was AZ? Did you visit any other places or any other pictures? Thanks!
Arizona is lovely! Lots of great pictures already posted on this site… look back over the last month for more about Arizona.
That is funny. I have been all over AZ and have somehow never come across this. I will have to find it on my next trip.
Brett Minor’s last post ..Enough, Already