Fort Buchanan, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Buchanan |
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| Sonoita Creek, Arizona | |
The ruins of Fort Buchanan in 1914
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| Coordinates | 31°39′27″N 110°42′25″W / 31.65750°N 110.70694°W |
| Type | U.S. Army post |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Arizona |
| Condition | Tourist attraction |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1856 |
| Built by |  United States |
| In use | 1856–1865 |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
 Michael Buckley |
| Occupants | United States Army |
Fort Buchanan was an important US Army base built in 1856. It was located in what is now Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The fort was about three miles southwest of modern-day Sonoita. It sat on the east side of a place now called Hog Canyon.
Soldiers at Fort Buchanan helped protect settlers in the area. At that time, the region faced many dangers from local Apaches. The fort played a key role in the early days of the Apache Wars.
Contents
The Fort's Beginning
Fort Buchanan was built in 1856 by the United States Army. Its main purpose was to protect the people living nearby. The area was often raided by Apache groups. The fort helped keep trade routes safe. It also provided a place for soldiers to live and train.
Life at the Fort
Life at Fort Buchanan was tough for the soldiers. They lived in simple buildings. Their main job was to patrol the surrounding lands. They watched for any signs of trouble. Supplies were often hard to get. The desert heat and lack of water made things difficult.
The Bascom Affair
In early 1861, a big event happened near the fort. It was called the Bascom affair. Lieutenant George Nicholas Bascom and his soldiers were based at Fort Buchanan. This event led to a major conflict with the local Chiricahua Apache. It marked the start of a full-scale war.
Abandonment and Attack
The fort was officially left empty in 1861. This happened because the American Civil War had begun. Many soldiers were needed elsewhere. However, troops from the California Column sometimes used the fort during the war. They would stay there for short periods.
The Battle of Fort Buchanan
In February 1865, a major attack occurred. Apache warriors attacked and burned the fort. This event is known as the Battle of Fort Buchanan. The small group of soldiers defending the fort had to retreat. After this battle, Fort Buchanan was abandoned for good.
A New Fort is Built
Two years later, in 1867, a new fort was built nearby. This new base was called Fort Crittenden. It was located about half a mile east of the old Fort Buchanan. Fort Crittenden continued the work of protecting the area.
Rediscovering the Ruins
For many years, the exact location of Fort Buchanan was lost. People forgot where the old fort stood. Then, in 1929, its ruins were found again. Harry J. Karns, who was the mayor of Nogales, Arizona, helped find them. He worked with Arizona Superior Court Judge W. A. O'Connor. Today, the ruins are a Tourist attraction. They remind us of the fort's history.
