Fort Crittenden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Crittenden |
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| Sonoita, Arizona | |
A plaque commemorating the establishment of Camp Crittenden.
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| Type | Army post |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Arizona |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1867 |
| Built by |  United States |
| In use | 1867 - 1873 |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants |  United States Army |
Fort Crittenden, also known as Camp Crittenden, was an Army base built in 1867. It was located about three miles from Sonoita, Arizona, right by Sonoita Creek. This fort was set up to help protect American pioneers and settlers in the area during conflicts with the Apache people.
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History of Fort Crittenden
Fort Crittenden officially opened on August 10, 1867. It was built at the start of Davidson Canyon. This spot was only half a mile from an older fort called Fort Buchanan. Fort Buchanan had been built in 1856 but was left empty after a battle in 1865.
Why Was It Called Fort Crittenden?
The fort was named after Colonel Thomas Leonidas Crittenden. He was an important leader in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. Colonel Crittenden commanded large groups of soldiers in famous battles. These included the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle of Stones River, and the Battle of Chickamauga.
The Purpose of Fort Crittenden
The main reason Fort Crittenden was built was to help keep the peace and protect people. It played a role in the Apache Wars. These were a series of conflicts between the U.S. Army and various Apache groups. The fort aimed to keep settlers safe as they moved into and lived in the Arizona area.
The End of Fort Crittenden
Fort Crittenden was used for several years. However, it was closed down on June 1, 1873. Today, you can still see some signs of the old fort. There are crumbling adobe walls and dirt mounds at the site. The land where the fort once stood is now private property.
