Fort Barrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Barrett |
|
|---|---|
| Bapchule, Arizona | |
| Coordinates | 33°07′13″N 111°53′17″W / 33.12028°N 111.88806°W |
| Type | Army fortification |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Arizona |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1862 |
| Built by |  United States |
| In use | 1862 |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
 James H. Carleton |
| Occupants | United States Army |
Fort Barrett was a temporary army camp built in 1862. It was made by the United States Army during the American Civil War. This small fort was located in what was then the New Mexico Territory. Today, this area is part of Arizona.
The fort was built near Casa Blanca. This spot was close to the Gila River. It was set up around a mill owned by a settler named Ammi M. White. The main goal was to protect the mill. It also served as a safe place for soldiers. They could gather food and supplies from the local Pima people there. These supplies were needed for the army's advance toward Tucson.
The fort got its name from Lieutenant James Barrett. He was a soldier who died in the Battle of Picacho Peak. After the army captured Tucson in May 1862, the fort was no longer needed for its main purpose. It was mostly abandoned. However, it was still used by scouts and messengers for a short time.
Contents
What Was Fort Barrett?
Fort Barrett was a simple military camp. It was a type of earthwork. This means it was built using earth and dirt. Soldiers would dig trenches and build up mounds of soil. These mounds acted as protective walls. They helped defend the soldiers inside.
The fort was not a permanent structure. It was quickly put together. It served a specific purpose during the war. Once that purpose was met, it was no longer needed.
Why Was It Built?
Fort Barrett was built by a group of soldiers called the California Column. These soldiers were part of the Union Army. They marched from California to the New Mexico Territory. Their mission was to secure the area for the Union. They also wanted to stop Confederate forces.
As they marched, the soldiers needed supplies. They needed food for themselves. They also needed feed for their horses and mules. The area near Casa Blanca was home to the Pima people. They grew crops and had resources. The fort provided a safe place to trade for these vital supplies. It also protected Ammi M. White's mill. The mill was important for processing grains.
Who Was Lieutenant James Barrett?
Lieutenant James Barrett was a soldier in the Union Army. He was part of the California Column. He fought during the American Civil War.
He was killed in action during the Battle of Picacho Peak. This battle happened in April 1862. It was a small but important fight. It took place near the fort's location. The fort was named in his honor. This was a way to remember his sacrifice.
What Happened to Fort Barrett?
Fort Barrett was always meant to be temporary. It was built quickly for a specific mission. That mission was to support the California Column's advance. Once the Union Army captured Tucson in May 1862, the main goal was achieved.
Construction on the fort stopped. Most of the soldiers moved on. The fort was left behind. However, it wasn't completely forgotten. It was still used occasionally. Scouts, called "vedettes," used it as a lookout point. Messengers, or "express riders," also used it. It was a stop along their routes. This helped them deliver important messages.
Location of Fort Barrett
Fort Barrett was located in a significant area. It was in the Pima Villages. This was a group of Native American communities. They lived along the Gila River. The fort was about two miles from the river itself.
The exact spot was near the modern-day community of Bapchule. This area is in Arizona. At the time, it was part of the vast New Mexico Territory. The location was chosen for its access to water and supplies. It was also a strategic point on the route to Tucson.
