Fort Grant, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Grant |
|
|---|---|
| Aravaipa Canyon, Arizona | |
Fort Grant, c. 1885
|
|
| Coordinates | 32°37′26.1″N 109°56′41.7″W / 32.623917°N 109.944917°W |
| Type | Army fortification |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Arizona |
| Condition | Repurposed as a state prison |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1872 |
| Built by |  United States |
| In use | 1860–1905 |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants |  United States Army |
Fort Grant is a state prison and a former United States Army fortification in Arizona. It is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Graham in Graham County. The fort was named after Ulysses S. Grant, who was the 18th President of the United States.
Contents
Fort Grant's Story
Fort Grant has a long and interesting history. It started as a military outpost in 1860. Over the years, it changed names and purposes many times. Today, it serves as a state prison.
Early Days of the Fort
The fort began in August 1860 in the Arizona Territory. It was first called Fort Breckinridge. This early fort was located where Aravaipa Creek and the San Pedro River meet.
In 1861, the Union soldiers left the fort at the start of the American Civil War. Because of this, Fort Breckinridge was destroyed and left empty.
After the Civil War, the site was used again from 1862 to 1865. It was known as Fort Stanford or Camp Stanford. When the U.S. Army returned, it was renamed Camp Grant from 1865 to 1872.
A New Location for Safety
In 1872, the Army decided to move Camp Grant. The original location was moved to the southwestern slope of Mount Graham. This new spot was chosen to help protect settlers from attacks by Apache warriors.
The new fort played a big part in the Apache Wars during the 1880s. Soldiers from Fort Grant worked to keep the area safe.
Famous Visitors and Events
Many interesting things happened at Fort Grant. A famous outlaw named Henry McCarty, also known as "Billy the Kid", was once held at Fort Grant. He escaped from the fort's holding area before he could face trial.
In 1889, the fort was the starting point for wagons carrying money. These wagons were involved in the Wham Paymaster robbery.
Even famous writers spent time at Fort Grant. Edgar Rice Burroughs, who wrote the "Tarzan" books, was stationed there in 1896. He was a soldier at the fort for about a year.
From Fort to Prison
The Army stopped using Fort Grant in 1905. All the soldiers were moved to Fort Huachuca. For a few years, only a caretaker lived at the fort.
In 1912, Arizona became a state. The fort was then used as a school for young people needing guidance. It was called the State Industrial School for Wayward Boys and Girls. Many of the buildings were updated during this time.
In 1968, the state of Arizona officially gave the site to the Arizona Department of Corrections. By 1973, Fort Grant became a state prison for men. Since 1997, it has been part of a larger prison complex based in Safford.
The main road to Fort Grant is Arizona State Route 266. There is also an old, unused airport nearby called Angel Field.
Climate at Fort Grant
Fort Grant has a semi-arid climate. This means it is generally dry with hot summers and mild winters. This type of climate is common in the southwestern United States.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte Apache (Arizona) para niños
