Fort Bowie National Historical Site is located in southeastern Arizona close to Apache Pass, a strategic corridor between the Chiricahua and Dos Cabezas Mountains. Established in 1862, the fort played a key role in the U.S. Army’s campaigns during the Apache Wars, particularly conflicts involving the Chiricahua Apache, including leaders such as Cochise and Geronimo.

The site preserves the remains of two forts, soldiers’ quarters, corrals, a cemetery, and the ruins of Butterfield Overland Mail facilities. These features illustrate the military’s efforts to control travel routes and secure access to vital water sources like Apache Spring. For the Chiricahua Apache, the area was a homeland and travel corridor long before U.S. military occupation.

Today, visitors reach Fort Bowie via a scenic trail that passes historic battle sites and desert grassland ecosystems. The surrounding natural environment is part of a rare desert grassland and Madrean “sky island” transition zone. The area supports mesquite, ocotillo, sotol, agave, and semi-desert grasses.

Fort Bowie National Historical Site offers a powerful opportunity to explore the complex history of westward expansion and Indigenous resistance.

To learn more, visit the park's website.