Place

Fort Bowie Ruins Tour- Stop 4

An historic black and white image.  A group of men in army uniform pose for a photo.
Apache scouts at Fort Bowie

Quick Facts
Location:
bowie, AZ
The cavalry barracks and mess hall provided accommodations for the cavalrymen stationed at Fort Bowie. During the fort’s operation, troops from 7 cavalry units saw duty at this post.

First U.S. Cavalry 1869-71; 1881-82
Second U.S. Cavalry 1890-94
Third U.S. Cavalry 1870-71
Fourth U.S. Cavalry 1884-90
Fifth U.S. Cavalry 1872-75
Sixth U.S. Cavalry 1875-85
Eight U.S. Cavalry 1869-70

Cavalrymen often spent time away from the post as they scouted for and pursued the Chiricahua Apache, and the employment of Apache scouts was instrumental to the Cavalry’s success in this area. The recruitment of Indian Scouts was first authorized in 1866. Some scouts were hired for their services, while others enlisted with the U.S. Army. Enlisted scouts received monthly wages and a were issued uniforms.

Fort Bowie National Historic Site

Last updated: October 2, 2021