Fort Bowie

It’s that time of the year for Tiger and I to go on the road. We are both ready to see some more of the country. This time I think we will Boondock and take in the National Parks that are along our route to were ever “America”. Since we are moving northwest at this time we will see Fort Bowie, AZ first.   So we decided to hike the three miles round trip, and glad we did. There is a lot you miss if you don’t do the hiking. It was early in the morning so not hot yet.

  The Apache Pass Stage Station was built of stone in July 1858. A chance to rest and have a meal- bread, coffee, meat, and beans- for fifty cents. The Butterfield Overland Mail route was discontinued in March 1861.

This is the area that the battle took place for Apache Pass in July 15-16,1862. Below is a Chiricahua (Cheer i cow a) camp. They believe the name Apache comes from the Zuni word “apachu” meaning “the people”. The Chiricahuas speak “Athapaskan” language. Believed to have migrated from Canada in the 1300s.

The Chiricahuas Apache’s of southern AZ. and northern NM. were subdivided in to four bands: Bedonkohe,Chokonen,Chihenne, and Nehdni.  Total population ranged from 1000-1500 people. The largest practical unit was the “local group” of about 30 extended families.

Geronimo was a “Bedonkohe” related to the Mimbres of New Mexico and was a highly respected medicine man.(never a Chief). Cochise was a “Chokonen” Chiricahua leader (a Chief) and resided in the Apache Pass areas and Dragoon Mountains of AZ.

Fort Bowie(#1) was established on July 28,1862, it’s first garrison was Company G, 5th Regiment California Volunteer Infantry. Recruited in Placerville California.

Fort Bowie (#2) this second fort built in 1885 and had kerosene lamps,tennis court for officers, flushing toilets, and ice machines.

With Cochise armistice of 1872, and the surrender of Geronimo in 1886, Fort  Bowie was abandoned in 1894.

This park is free, but has no facilities for camping. And because they don’t charge a fee they don’t sell the senior passes.

So on to Chiricahua Nat. Park,till later from Tiger and Stu.