The Last Camp of Hi Jolly
Welcome to the legacy of Haji Ali, affectionately known as “Hi Jolly” by the locals. Born in Smyrna, now Izmir, Turkey, around 1828, Haji Ali became an iconic figure in the American Southwest through his involvement with The U.S. Camel Corps. Arriving in the United States in 1857 with the second shipment of camels, his expertise and vibrant personality quickly made him a standout among camel drivers and caretakers.
After The U.S. Camel Corps experiment concluded, Hi Jolly embraced the American Southwest, taking on various roles from prospector to courier. He is celebrated particularly in Quartzsite, Arizona, where his unique pyramid-shaped grave, topped with a camel, marks his contributions and enduring place in American history.
Hi Jolly- 2017- 45m
Hi Jolly or Haci Ali, was an Ottoman subject of Syrian and Greek parentage, and in 1856 became one of the first camel drivers ever hired by the US Army to lead the camel driver experiment in the Southwest.
Samuel Mc Cleneghan bought some of the government dromedaries
The Camel Express Concept
The concept of a "Camel Express" might have been inspired by the historical use of camels by Beale and others during the Camel Corps experiment. While there was no official "Camel Express" mail service, the idea of using camels for fast and efficient transport over long distances in desert areas would have been a logical extension of their proven capabilities during the experiment.
Beale Wagon Road
In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Army embarked on an unusual experiment involving the Camel Corps, where camels were used to carry supplies across the harsh deserts of the American Southwest. This experiment was part of Edward Fitzgerald Beale’s mission to build a wagon road along the 35th parallel. This route, influenced by the Beale Wagon Road, later contributed to the alignment of the iconic Route 66. Despite their ability to traverse tough terrains and go long distances without water, the camels were eventually phased out due to their temperament and the logistical challenges they posed, marking a peculiar but forgotten chapter in the history of American transportation.
The Camel Corps
Hi Jolly, who became a legendary figure in the American West. He was a key member of Edward Beale's Camel Corps, using his expertise to help navigate the harsh deserts of the Southwest along the Beale Wagon Road. His unique contributions highlight the diverse influences that shaped the early days of American expansion.
Hadji Ali was working for him in Nevada. Left there as the Comstock Lode at Virginia City was running out. They (in 1864) got as far as Yuma, Arizona when Mc Cleneghan fell ill and died. ‘Greek George’ Caralambo and Hadji Ali were left with the camels, apparently no one else claimed there. Greek George went to Los Angeles, while Hadji Ali worked out of Yuma with the camels until about 1870.
The Camel Experiment History 1836 - 1861
Matt D. Bremen
In 1836, Major George H. Crosman sparked a revolutionary idea within the United States Department of War: using camels for transportation during the Seminole Wars in Florida. With their remarkable ability to survive on minimal food and water, camels captured the attention of Senator Jefferson Davis, eventually leading to a groundbreaking venture.
It wasn't until after the U.S.-Mexican War (1846–1848) that the concept gained serious traction. Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce, recognized the need for improved transportation in the arid and desert regions of the southwestern United States. Lt. Edward Fitzgerald Beale, influenced by the virtues extolled in Évariste Régis Huc's writings, advocated for camels as the superior choice for such challenging terrain.
On March 3, 1855, the U.S. Congress allocated $30,000 for the camel project, with Major Henry C. Wayne tasked with procuring the animals. The journey began on June 4, 1855, when Wayne set sail from New York City aboard the USS Supply.
After a voyage across the Atlantic, the Supply reached Smyrna on January 30, 1856, where it loaded the camels before setting sail for the Gulf of Mexico. Upon arrival in Indianola, Texas, on April 29, 1856, the camels were finally unloaded, marking the beginning of their service in the Southwest.
Reports from initial tests were overwhelmingly positive. The camels exhibited extraordinary strength and agility, navigating terrain that proved challenging for horses. In 1857, Lt. Edward Fitzgerald Beale led a survey mission to the Colorado River, relying on camels to traverse the rugged landscape.
Throughout the late 1850s and early 1860s, the Camel Corps played a pivotal role in surveying and exploring the Trans-Pecos region, contributing to the expansion of the American frontier.
However, with the onset of the American Civil War, the Camel Corps faded into obscurity. Challenges arose as camels spooked horses and mules, leading to the dispersal of many animals into the wild.
One notable figure in this endeavor was Hi Jolly (Hadji Ali), an Ottoman citizen who served as the lead camel driver. Following his death in 1902, Hi Jolly was laid to rest in Quartzsite, Arizona, where his legacy lives on through a pyramid-shaped monument adorned with a metal camel profile.
Though the Camel Corps experiment came to an end, its impact on American history endures, serving as a testament to the innovative spirit and resilience of those who dared to explore new frontiers.
Trails of Innovation: The Camel Caravan of the Beale Wagon Road
Matt D. Bremen
In the mid-19th century, as California's star rose with its swelling American populace, the clamor for better connectivity with the nation became a chorus that reached the halls of Congress. Responding to this demand, 1856 saw the allocation of funds for an ambitious endeavor: the construction of three wagon roads to tether this burgeoning state to the rest of the United States. Among these, a path was charted along the 35th parallel, a route previously scoped by Captain Amiel W. Whipple between 1853 and 1854, stretching from Fort Defiance to the mighty Colorado River. This route was destined to intersect with the Mojave Road, bridging a vital link to California. The man chosen to helm this monumental project was none other than Edward Fitzgerald Beale—a name synonymous with adventure and endurance, famed for his swift dispatches to California and valorous deeds during the Mexican War.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary: Camels in the American Desert
Beale's vision for the road was not confined to the conventional. In an experiment that would etch his name in the annals of American exploration, Beale introduced camels, recently acquired from Syria, to the arid expanses of the American West. This trial aimed to assess their suitability for the demanding desert terrain, a test they passed with distinction, forever changing the narrative of exploration in these rugged landscapes.
The Road Unfolds: A Path of Progress and Legacy
August of 1857 marked the commencement of an epic undertaking as Beale and his team set forth to carve a route through the untamed heart of the West, reaching the Colorado River by October. Yet, Beale's journey did not end there. A subsequent expedition in 1859 sought to enhance this vital artery from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to the Colorado, further cementing its role as a lifeline for military operations and settlers alike. From 1858 until the dawn of the AT&SF Railroad in 1882, the Beale Road thrived as a beacon for those venturing between Arizona and California.
Echoes of the Past: The Beale Road Today
While modern marvels like Historic Route 66 and Interstate 40 have traced the contours of Beale's original path, the essence of the Beale Road remains indelibly etched across Arizona's terrain. Much of this historic route can still be followed, serving not just as a reminder of our journey from past to present but also as a testament to the spirit of innovation and exploration that defines the American ethos. Portions of this legendary trail continue to facilitate local travel, offering a tangible link to the storied past of the American West.