Fort Bowie Ruins Tour- Stop 5

Officers at Fort Bowie, Major Beaumont in front and second from left

Quick Facts

Location:

Bowie, AZ

During the 32 years that Fort Bowie was an active fort, it saw many different commanding officers rotate through the post. The first commanding officer to live in this house was Major Eugene B. Beaumont, an officer with the 4^th U.S Cavalry. 

Major Beaumont was instrumental in securing funds and support for updates and improvements on the post. Under his command, the fort saw new buildings constructed, such as the new hospital, and an improvement to the water system. A steam engine and ice machine were also installed. 

This commanding officer’s quarters was under construction upon his arrival. Major Beaumont, who was a student of architecture, made substantial changes to the original design plan.  He eliminated aspects that were strictly ornamental, expensive, and time consuming to construct. The plans for two mansard towers were deleted, the diamond and circular windows were replaced with standard rectangles, and the house was partitioned to allow two officers to occupy the home.

Major Beaumont was the commanding officer at Fort Bowie until 1888. He soon after retired from the Army in 1892.