Grave of Hi Jolly

There is an scattering of old landmarks around Quartzsite, but the big attraction is the grave of Hadji Ali (Hi Jolly), the Arab camel driver. In 1935, the Governor of Arizona dedicated the pyramid, which marks his gravesite. This pyramid is one of the most visited spots in the southwest.

Hi Jolly (that is now the foreign name sounded to the desert people) came here from his native Syria during the mid 1850’s with score or more of North African camels. They had been ordered by the U.S. Army for a desert experiment, and Hi Jolly was hired as the chief camel driver.

The Army hoped that the camels would make excellent beasts of burden in this desert country. But, camels were not compatible with the Army’s mules, and the entire plan was junked in 1864. The animals were auctioned off and Hi Jolly kept a few for his own use. His freighting operation failed and in 1868 he became a ‘sometime’ guide and prospector in the Quartzsite area. Hi Jolly died in 1902, and his grave is now the centerpiece of the Hi Jolly Cemetery in Quartzsite. When you visit you will find a large pyramid made of the stones from the area, and topped by a copper camel.

The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce holds it’s annual “Hi Jolly Daze” each January to honor Hi Jolly. The celebration includes a town parade, barbeque, games and music.