Fort Apache, Arizona History

ARIZONA LEGENDS

Fort Apache - Warring with the Indians

From its founding in 1870 until Geronimo's capture in 1886, this fort was regularly involved in the Indian Wars of the area. It was first called Camp Ord, in honor of General O.C. Ord, Commander of Arizona when it was built in the spring; however, just a few months later, the name was changed to Camp Mogollon in August, then Camp Thomas in September.

The post was finally designated as Camp Apache on February 2, 1871 as a token of friendship to the very Indians the fort soldiers would soon spend so many years at war with. The fort's initial purpose was to guard the nearby White Mountain Reservation and Indian agency.

Camp Apache, 1873, photo by Timothy H. O' Sullivan

Situated at the end of a military road on the White Mountain Reservation, which adjoined the San Carlos Reservation, the fort guarded the White Mountain Agency, while Fort Thomas watched over the San Carlos Agency. However, both reservations would become the focus of Apache unrest, especially after troops moved the troublesome Chiricahuas in 1876 from Fort Bowie to the White Mountain Reservation.

In constant turmoil, the reservations were noted for their unhealthful location, overcrowded conditions, and dissatisfied inhabitants. Sparking the discontent were inefficient and corrupt agents, friction between civil and military authorities, feeble attempts to make farmers of the nomadic Indians, and encroachment on the reservations by settlers and miners. As a result, many of the Indians left the reservations to resume their hunting, gathering and raiding lifestyle, creating a public outcry from the settlers.

In 1871, General George Crook, who had established his reputation as an Indian fighter in the Snake War in Idaho and Oregon was named commander of the Department of Arizona. By August of that year, he recognized that his soldiers were no match for the fierce Apache he was sent to subdue and made his first trip to Fort Apache. At the reservation, he recruited about fifty men to serve as Apache Scouts, who would play a key role in the success of the Army in the Apache Wars which ensued for the next 15 years.

After recruiting the scouts, Crook organized his Tonto Basin campaign and moved on to Camp Verde to implement his tactical operations. During the winter of 1872-73, a number of mobile detachments, using Apache scouts, crisscrossed the Tonto Basin and the surrounding tablelands in constant pursuit of renegade Tonto Apaches and their Yavapai allies. After forcing as many as 20 skirmishes, in which some 200 Indians were killed, they finally began to wear down their quarry.

On April 5, 1879, Camp Apache had gained enough significance that it was renamed Fort Apache.

The battles with the Apache continued as the soldiers fought various renegade bands that included such famous warriors as as Geronimo, Natchez, Chato, and Chihuahua. It was only after Geronimo was captured for the the last time in 1886, that the Apache Wars finally came to an end.

Though its wild frontier days were over, Fort Apache continued as an active post until 1924. The Apache Scouts that had been employed by General Crook were transferred to Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona, where they continued to serve. The last three Apache Scouts retired in 1947.

When the fort closed its buildings were turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Today, several buildings continue to stand on the White Mountain Reservation.

The Apache War --Indian scouts on Geronimo's trail,

Frederic Remington, 1886.

The Fort Apache post office occupies the adobe adjutant's building. A log building, one of the oldest structures and reputedly the residence of General Crook, as well as the stone officers' quarters, are today the residences of teachers and other Bureau of Indian Affairs employees. The sutler's store and commissary building, cavalry barns, and guard house have not been significantly altered. One of the original four barracks, an adobe building in bad disrepair, houses the farm shop for the Indian school. The parade ground provides a recreational area. The cemetery no longer contains soldier dead, but does contain the bodies of Indian scouts.

The first Commanding Officer's quarters was constructed in the spring of 1871, courtesy White Mountain Online

The fort is located at the Fort Apache Indian Reservation headquarters, adjacent to the town of Fort Apache. From Globe, take US 60 northeast 66 miles; turn east on State 73 and drive about 27 miles to Fort Apache.

Contact Information:

Fort Apache Historic Park
P.O. Box 628
Fort Apache, Arizona 85926
928-338-1392

Primary source: National Park Service

Added July, 2007

Also See:

Apache - The Fiercest Warriors in the Southwest

Battles of the Indian Wars

Cochise - Strong Apache Leader

Geronimo - The Last Apache Holdout

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Fort Apache Adjutant's Office

The old Fort Apache Adjutant's Office now serves as the post office, courtesy White Mountain Online

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