Fort Bowie is not far from where we are staying and was one of the more notable forts in the 1862-1890 timeframe. It was established to control Apache Pass which was a prime route for westward migration and Apache Pass Spring, the only reliable source of water within 50 miles. It was the site of several engagements with the Apaches under Cochise and Geronimo. The fort was named in honor of Colonel George Washington Bowie commander of the 5th Regiment California Infantry who first established the fort.
Fort Bowie at the height of its development in the early 1890's (photo of a National Parks brochure)
Stage Station Ruin
The Cemetary
Burial place of Geronimo's son
Many of the ruins walls are capped with adobe to prevent further erosion
Ruins of the enlisted men's barracks
Another view of the barracks
Reproduction Indian camp
This is a high desert area with lots of cactus
Similar viewpoint to the following 1800's photo
The powder magazine - mostly intact due to the thick walls
Icehouse ruins
Remains of a portion of the emigrant trail
More ruins - new visitor center in the background on left - it is located where the horse stables were originally
Cistern
View of the remains of the fort from an adjacent ridge - it doesn't look like it but this was a pretty steep climb
The US flag on the parade grounds located on the spot of the original flag
This was quite an interesting National Historic Site that not a lot of people get to see as it is off the beaten path and it takes some effort to hike up here. It ends up being about a 4-mile hike - 3 miles up and back and about an additional mile seeing the grounds.
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