Visit the remains of historic Fort Bowie and its fascinating graveyard. (updated 2023)
Fort Bowie was an American army fort built in 1862 for the war with the Apache Indians, led by Geronimo. It is located in southwest Arizona near the town of Wilcox.
Today, little is left of the fort, and it is not much of a tourist attraction. However, I found the place very interesting, as I enjoy history.
The fort was a major centre during the Indian Wars, but after Geronimo’s surrender in 1886, there was little use for keeping it. The fort was abandoned in 1894. What remains of the fort, made of adobe, has been preserved as a National Historic site since 1960. Ranchers took the wooden parts of the fort to use in their building construction when the fort was abandoned.
The Fort Bowie Graveyard
The most thought-provoking part of the site is the graveyard. It contains the graves of some soldiers, which are marked “Killed by Apaches”. Others are the graves of children, including the son of Geronimo.
I mentioned that Fort Bowie is not a pre-eminent tourist attraction, but I enjoyed my visit. I was the only one there at the time. In addition to history, you can go hiking in nearby hills and look for birds and other desert wildlife. If you like off-the-beaten-path places away from the crowds, this site is excellent and peaceful.
Fort Bowie Movie
In 1958, a western movie entitled Fort Bowie (black and white) starring Ben Johnson was made. It is not the best of movies, but it is available on YouTube if you wish to see it.
Warren Earp
While in the Wilcox area, take a little side trip to visit the lonely grave of Warren Earp, Wyatt’s youngest brother. He was shot in a bar in town. Ask for directions to the Pioneer Cemetery.