Fort Rucker, Arizona facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Rucker
Rucker Canyon, Arizona, US
Camp rucker
Type	fortification
Site information
Controlled by	Arizona
Condition	tourist attraction
Site history
Built	1878 (1878)
Built by	United States
In use	1878–1890
Battles/wars	Apache Wars
Garrison information
Occupants	United States Army

Fort Rucker, also known as Camp Rucker, was an old United States Army post in Cochise County, Arizona. It was first called Camp Supply and Camp Powers. Its name changed on October 1, 1878, to honor Lieutenant John Anthony "Tony" Rucker. Lieutenant Rucker bravely tried to save a fellow soldier, Lieutenant Austin Henley, but both were lost in a swollen river on July 11, 1878.

Fort Rucker: A Historic Army Post

Why Was Fort Rucker Built?

This camp was first built to help keep settlers in the area safe. It also housed special army units called cavalry. These cavalry units rode horses and were very important for patrolling the land.

Life at the Fort

Fort Rucker became a key military station during the 1880s. It played an important role in the fights against the Apache tribes. Leaders like Geronimo and Cochise were part of these conflicts.

A small community grew around the fort. This happened because the army needed supplies. They bought these supplies from local people and businesses. This helped the area grow.

What Remains Today?

Fort Rucker was abandoned by 1890. Today, you can still find parts of the old camp. These include officers' living quarters, a bunkhouse where soldiers slept, and a bakery. There is also a warehouse and a sheltered latrine (a type of outdoor toilet).

The remains of Fort Rucker are on land managed by the United States Forest Service. It is next to the Chiricahua Wilderness in the Coronado National Forest. People can visit the site by walking in. Nearby, Rucker Canyon and Rucker Lake are popular places for camping. During the summer, a firefighting team is often stationed nearby.