FORT BOWIE
(1862-1894)
The fort was first established by the California Column of Volunteers on its way to New Mexico when a detachment was sent to protect the spring at Puerto de Dado. This is the fort where field artillery was first used against the Apache at the Battle of Apache Pass in June of 1862. Operations were heightened when General George Crook took command in July 1871.  It became the focal point of operation against Geronimo and the Apache. From 1867-1886 there were constant skirmishes with the Apache renegades Victorio, Nana, Juh, Geronimo, Loco, and Natchez.

The majority of the renegade Apache surrendered in April of 1886 and were sent to Fort Marion, Florida. General George Crook would resign his commission on April 12, 1886. General Nelson Miles would assume command. He would establish an elaborate heliograph system here, a system of mirrors used to communicate established throughout Arizona. On September 4, 1886 Lt. Charles Gatewood and Lt. Britton Davis were successful in convincing Geronimo to surrender. The next day he was brought to camp, with the rest of the renegades following three days later. There were all sent to Fort Marion, Florida for a limited term. Upon their agreed upon return a few years later, they were redirected to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This officially ended the Indian Wars in Arizona. The fort became useless after that time and was officially abandoned October 17, 1894.

Websites

National Park Service- Fort Bowie
http://www.nps.gov/fobo/

Fort Bowie National Historic Site
http://www.desertusa.com/bow/

Ghost Towns-- Fort Bowie
http://www.ghosttowntrails.com/fortbowie.html

Arizonan.com-- Fort Bowie
http://www.arizonan.com/attractions/Fort%20Bowie.htm

Apache Wars

Apache Warriors

Books

The history of Fort Bowie, Richard Y. Murray.
UA26 .B6 M8x

Historical report on Fort Bowie, Arizona / by Robert M. Utley.
UA26 .B68 U8x 1962

A clash of cultures : Fort Bowie and the Chiricahua Apaches / by Robert M. Utley.
E99 .A6 U89

Fort Bowie, its physical evolution, 1862-1894 : Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Arizona/ by Jerome A. Greene.
F819 .F62 G73x


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In addition, if you have any questions about this site or Arizona History, feel free to e-mail Jeffrey