The Sonora Historical Marker and Cross now reside at Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Kearny. Photo by James Carnes
The Sonora Historical Marker was erected on May 5, 1999, by members of El Club Sonorense. Its members were former residents of Sonora. That day coincided with the last Cinco de Mayo of the 20th Century.
To acknowledge the dedication of the Marker and its commemoration of the town of Sonora, on April 20, 1999, then Governor of Arizona, Jane D. Hull, proclaimed May 1, 1999, as “Town of Sonora, Arizona Day.”
That was approximately 33 years after the people of Sonora were forced to evacuate their hometown due to the development and expansion of copper mining.
The Sonora Historical Marker was installed at the ASARCO Visitor’s Lookout, off Arizona Hwy. 177. From then on, visitors could view the remnants where the town of Sonora once stood. Those remnants are no longer visible, and the gates to the Lookout have now been permanently closed. Once again, the continued expansion of the Asarco Ray Mine and the company’s concern for the public’s safety resulted in this closure.
The Sonorense Club’s endeavor was an expression of love for their hometown, and its residents. The Marker commemorates the town of Sonora, its history, culture and, most importantly, it recognizes the contributions that were made to the State of Arizona by the Mexican-American families who once resided in that beautiful mining community.
In 2022, a small group of Sonora friends joined to form “The Sonora Committee.” Their main goal was to organize a Reunion of their friends who once lived in Sonora. Once becoming aware of the threat of possible damage to the Sonora Historical Marker, as well as the permanent closure of the Lookout, they chose to also direct their efforts to saving the Marker by having it relocated to a safe location. What better place than alongside the Infant Jesus of Prague church in Kearny.
Through much effort, led by Viola Morales Dodge and her unwavering dedication, the Committee was able to obtain the authorization to relocate the Marker. The Sonora Historical Marker has now been relocated to its new home at the grounds of the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Kearny.
A bit of history
The Infant Jesus of Prague Church was also moved to Kearny from Sonora on March 8, 1966, where it was formerly known as St Helen’s.
The Cross that overlooked the town of Sonora, from atop a hill, is also now standing at the Church grounds in Kearny. That Cross was constructed in 1951 by Ricardo Huerta and his Aunt Macaria Munoz Carlos. They used steel/metal pipes that were collected from plumbers around town.
The heavy Cross was then carried up the steep hill by Ricardo Huerta, while his Aunt Macaria carried the cement and tools necessary to erect the Cross.
From that peak, the Cross continued to be a symbol of the town’s Christian faith and offered protection to the town and its residents.
Collectively, the Church, the Marker and the Cross serve to keep the memory of Sonora and its residents alive. They are revered symbols of Sonora that have been preserved and brought together by its people in honor of their beloved hometown and its residents.
The Sonora Committee would like to thank ASARCO and the Catholic Diocese for their support and for authorizing the relocation of the Sonora Historical Marker to its new home. Because of their support, this mission became a reality.
The Committee is also extending its thanks to the Church maintenance crew, for their thoughtful dedication and exceptional work to safely transport the Marker to the Church grounds, prepare the site for both the Marker and the Cross, and for giving them a fresh coat of paint.
In celebration, a noon mass will be held on Nov. 9, 2024, at the Infant Jesus of Prague Church in Kearny. After the mass, attendees can visit the Marker at the Church grounds and read the words written on the plaque by El Club Sonorense. There you will also see the white Sonora Cross.
A get-together will ensue uptown at the General Kearny Inn (GKI).
Fundraiser
The Sonora Committee is selling specially designed t-shirts, depicting the Sonora Historical Marker. Funds will be used to offset costs of marker relocation and to cover costs of planned festivities which will be held at the General Kearny Inn on Nov. 9. Order deadline is Oct. 30. Buy a mug for $10/11 oz or $15/15 oz; or, t-shirt for $20/ size S-XL and $23 sizes 2XL-4XL all in dark gray, choice of crew or V-neckline.
For information, contact Mitzi Carrillo Munoz at (623) 330-2233, or Angie Trujillo Guzman at (480) 220-8098.
Echoes of Sonora
In the shadow of the mountains, where the miners used to tread,
Was a town once called Sonora, now just whispers in our heads.
Where we laughed and shared our dreams, under skies so wide and blue,
But the copper called us onward, and we had to bid adieu.
We remember summer evenings, when the stars would light the night,
Friends gathered ‘round the bonfire, sharing stories ‘til first light.
Now we roam through distant cities; life has pulled us far apart,
Yet your spirit stays beside us; you’re forever in our heart.
Our town might have been swallowed up, mining claimed its hallowed ground.
But in every laugh and tear shed—Sonora can be found.
We’ll keep your tales alive, for those who want to hear,
Of a town and all its people,
and the love that keeps us near.
For a town is not just bricks and stone—It’s the people who live there.
The residents of Sonora, where they lived and loved and cared.
Oh Sonora, sweet Sonora, your memories linger still,
In the hearts of those who left you, we carry you with will.
Though the mines have taken everything, and the town is now all gone,
In our souls you live forever; you’re our love; you’re our home.