Historical Marker · No. 206713
Lafe McDaniel
Marble Canyon, Coconino County · Arizona
Building the Navajo Bridge cost one life. Lafe McDaniel, a seasoned Kansas City ironworker born in 1887, fell from near this point to the river below on June 12, 1928, the only worker to die in the span's construction. The memorial marks the human price of the crossing that replaced the ferry, a reminder that the bridge travelers now cross without a second thought was raised by men working high above the Colorado with little between them and the water.
What the plaque says
In memoriam to ironworker Lafe McDaniel, October 3, 1887 to June 12, 1928, The only individual to die during the construction of the Navajo Bridge, Lafe McDaniel, a well like and highly experienced Kansas City ironworker, fell from near this location to the river below.
Where it stands
36.81834, -111.63276 · Directions
Worth the stop nearby
- Antelope Canyon — 15 miTsé bighánílíní — where the water runs through the rock
More markers nearby
- Navajo Bridge — steps away
- Marble Canyon Lodge — steps away
- Lewis Nez — steps away
- John Deering — steps away