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Located in forbidding Apache Pass, a
landmark on the Overland Stage road, Fort Bowie played a significant role
in the wars with the Chiracahua Apaches. Here in February 1861, even before
the fort was established, Lt. George Bascom faced Cochise in a dramatic confrontation
that touched off a quarter-century of bloody hostilities between the Chiricahuas
and white invaders, and a personal ten-year war between Cochise and the U.S.
Army. General James H.
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| Carleton,
leading a Federal army eastward in 1862 to head off the Confederate invasion
of New Mexico, founded Fort Bowie, and fought for two days, July 15 and 16,
a battle with the Apaches for control of the nearby Apache Springs. Thereafter,
until the final surrender of Geronimo, the post operated as a base for scouts,
patrols, and major offensives against the Apaches. Most notably, Fort Bowie
served as headquarters of Gen. George Crook and his successor Nelson A. Miles
in the campaigns deep into Mexico that brought about the surrender of Geronimo
and his band. From the Fort Bowie parade grounds in September 1886, Geronimo
and his people started on their journey to Florida and imprisonment. The site
is operated by the National Park Service. |
