Tomb of Sergeant James Cooney, Gila National Forest

Since our founding in 1985, we have been committed to protecting historic sites across America. In 2009 we were pleased to assist the U.S. Forest Service in acquiring a historic landmark located in the Gila National Forest, near Alma, New Mexico.

The Fund purchased 40 acres that included the historic rock tomb of Sergeant James Cooney, who discovered silver along Mineral Creek in 1870. The land and the tomb had been privately owned but were surrounded entirely by public land. We held the property until the U.S. Forest Service secured funding to acquire it. The 40 acres is now part of Gila National Forest.

Sergeant James Cooney

Cooney discovered silver in the area while serving in the U.S. Army. After his enlistment ended in 1876, he promptly returned to Mineral Creek to stake his claim. But his hopes for riches were cut short: Apache Indians attacked the mine, killing Cooney and several others, in the early moments of what has become known as the Alma Massacre. He was buried in a rock tomb on the site and his tomb, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, today attracts curious tourists. The tomb is all that remains of a small mining town called Cooney, established after Cooney’s death. The town also came to a difficult end—washed away by a flood in 1911.

Pat Morrison, Glenwood district ranger of Gila National Forest, was happy The Fund was able to assist in the acquisition of this land, "This acquisition provides an opportunity to protect and interpret Cooney’s Tomb and the associated graveyard for public enjoyment. Cooney’s Tomb is an important link to the early days of mining and settlement in the Glenwood area."

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