Forts on the American frontier.
The history of Fort Ligonier in Pennsylvania began in September 1758 and was concluded in March 1766, embracing the period of the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s War. Today, the story of this time period is told through the remarkable…
Created to protect the area from the fierce Apache who roamed the Salt and Gila River Valleys, Fort McDowell was built to be one of the most solid posts in the territory. It was established by the California Volunteers on…
Fort Lowell (1862-1891) was a part of the system of forts guarding southern Arizona during the years of Apache hostilities. This one served more as a supply depot and administrative center than as a combat base. It occupied two sites;…
Fort Grant (1872-1905) was founded along a route that was often used by Apache fleeing to Mexico from the San Carlos Reservation. Prior to the closure of old Fort Grant (Fort Breckinridge), a site was chosen for the new fort…
Fort Goodwin (1864-1871) was one of the first posts in the area. It was established in June, 1864 by California Volunteers to provide protection for settlers in the Gila Valley. Located near a beautiful spring about two miles south of…
Fort Defiance (1851-1861) was stablished in the Fall of 1851 by troops led by Colonel Edwin V. Sumner. The post was the first to be built within the Mexican Cession (1848) in what would become Arizona Territory. After the failure…
Fort Buchanan (1856-61) supplemented a number of other military posts established in the territory acquired from Mexico in 1848. Fort Buchanan was the first within the bounds of the Gadsden Purchase (1853). First founded as Camp Moore, but renamed Fort…
Located in the southeast corner of Arizona, Fort Bowie National Historic Site commemorates the story of the bitter conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the United States military. It also stands as a lasting monument to the bravery and endurance…
Fort Buchanan (1856-61) was built to supplement a number of other military posts established in the territory acquired from Mexico in 1848. Fort Buchanan was the first within the bounds of the Gadsden Purchase (1853). First founded as Camp Moore,…
Fort Breckinridge (Old Camp Grant) (1860-1872) was the second military post to be established in the area of the Gadsden Purchase. Troops from the first Fort Buchanan built it in May, 1860 at the confluence of the San Pedro River…
