Relatively few people know the when, what, and
why of WHY, a tiny community south of Ajo, AZ at the junction of
SR-85 & SR-86, Ajo, AZ, 85321
Click above to see a map
WHY originally was called Rocky
Point Junction because it was the turning point when going to Rocky
Point, Mexico, but when folks here got ready for a post office, the
U.S. Postal Service said there were too many towns named "junctions".
Since people asked why anyone would come out here, the townsfolk
decided that WHY would be a good name.
James and Peggy Kater came to
Why in 1949. They built a bar, cafe, store and post office.
Water was brought in from Ajo, but as more people came, a well was
developed with federal funds. Another major project, bringing in
electricity, was accomplished.
During this time, many older
folks parked their trailers at what is now a highway rest area. Many
of them hoped to stay in Why permanently. But the county health
department, noting the lack of sanitary facilities, decided the
campers must go. So, some permanent residents of Why applied to the
Bureau of Land Management for 122 acres for a trailer court and camp
ground. They got a special dispensation from the health department if
a park could be installed in 30 days.
Almost everyone pitched in and in 30 days, the park was ready.
It included roads, restrooms and hot water for showers. One man
provided heavy machinery, others the labor. The water-lines were
dug by women and children. Those too old to do heavy labor cooked stew
and chili beans for workers. The park was named "Coyote Howls."
After
there was a park, the people needed a place to meet. So they banded
together and built the community center. The community center is
a-buzz with activities throughout the winter months.
Most residents move out
during the hot summer months, but some stay all year. The park
is administered by the Why Utility Co.
In the summer of 2002, Why Utility purchased
Las Palmas RV Park and renamed it Coyote Howls West. It is near the original campground on Hwy
85 in Why and features full RV hook-ups.
Campers at Coyote Howls West can enjoy the
activities and facilities of the original Coyote Howls East Campground.
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