updated Apr 2023
Fort Apache was a military base in Arizona that was one of the main bases of attack used during the Apache Wars from 1849 to 1896. (Minor hostilities continued into the 1900s). The United States Army conducted the Apache Wars against Apache Indians who refused to settle on reservations. The main group of resistance was led by an Apache named Geronimo.
The fort is now a historical park on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Established in 1870, the fort was a recruiting and training centre for Apache Scouts. The scouts were Apaches who worked for the U.S. Army to help find renegade Indians. In addition, the so-called African-American Buffalo Soldiers were also stationed at the fort.
Fort Apache Scouts
The word “Apache” applies to several tribes of Indians in the southwestern USA. The Apache tribes are Western, Chirichua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, White Mountain and Plains Apaches. Although all Apaches had similar customs and language, these tribes did not always get along. That is why some Apaches worked for the army to help track down other Apaches. Geronimo was a member of the Chirichua Apache tribe.
After the Apache War, the scouts continued to serve in the army and participated in the Navajo War, the Mexican War and the search for the Mexican bandit Poncho Villa. The scouting service was discontinued in 1921, but during the Second World War, they served on ships as so-called “code talkers”. They sent messages in the Apache and Navajo languages. No one in Germany or Japan could speak the language.
The Navajo also supplied the U.S. Army with scouts but not at Fort Apache. Instead, the Navajo were posted at Fort Wingate in New Mexico.
Fort Apache Today
Row of officer’s houses.
The Adjutants’ office (left) is now the Fort Apache Post Office. Men’s Barracks (right) and Commanding Officer’s house (left). (click photos to enlarge).
The majority of buildings are no longer standing. However, there are enough of them to understand what the fort was like. The row of officers’ houses is still standing and is in good condition.
In 1923 the fort waclosed and turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs who built a large school for Indians on the property, which is still in use.
The Parade Square
The large open area in the middle of the fort is known as a parade square. Modern military bases still have parade squares to practice marching and parades for special occasions.
Fort Apache Movie
A movie called Fort Apache was made in 1948, starring John Wayne, Henry Fonda and Shirley Temple. The story is fictional.
Visit Fort Apache
If you are ever in the area, Fort Apache is well worth a visit. You can stand on the parade square and imagine the cavalry forming up on this ground before heading out on a raid, searching for Geronimo.
There are many historical plaques and photos to explain the fort’s history.
Here is a link to the website for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Look under “history” for information about the fort and the Apache Scouts.