What was the Arizona's Federal Ring?

Answer 1

Arizona's Federal Ring, aka the Tucson Ring, was a coalition of politicians and leading citizens that dominated the politics of Arizona Territory from 1863 till 1877. Originally created by Governor Goodwin, it was led by Governors McCormick and Safford for much of its existence.

The purpose of the ring was to establish Law and Order, protect the lives and property of American settlers, and promote the territory's economic development. To this end they supported creation of courthouses, jails, schools, roads, and subjugation of hostile Indian tribes (primarily Apache).

The ring was somewhat unusual in that it crossed traditional political rivalries. While the leaders where all Northern Republicans, they were quite willing to appoint Southern Democrats and Hispanics to governmental positions. Critics called the ring a self-perpetuating oligarchy but it did succeed in creation of a generally honest and corruption-free government for the newly established territory.