Last updated: October 2, 2021
Place
Fort Bowie Ruins Tour- Stop 8
Quick Facts
Location:
Bowie, AZ
The Signal Corps, who was responsible for operating the heliograph, worked out of the Adjutants Office. The heliograph was a mirror on a tripod, and through flashes of light, the instrument could send signals. The duration of flashes corresponded to the dots and dashes used in Morse Code.
In August of 1886, just before the conclusion of the Apache Wars, there were 23 heliograph stations in Arizona and New Mexico, and each station was located approximately 25 miles apart. The Bowie Peak Station kept a camp of five men: three opertors and two guards. The crews rotated periodically and were supplied by pack mules over a 2.5 mile trail.
In August of 1886, just before the conclusion of the Apache Wars, there were 23 heliograph stations in Arizona and New Mexico, and each station was located approximately 25 miles apart. The Bowie Peak Station kept a camp of five men: three opertors and two guards. The crews rotated periodically and were supplied by pack mules over a 2.5 mile trail.