Fort Whipple, Arizona facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Whipple
Prescott, Arizona
Fort Whipple historic plaque located on the grounds of the VA Hospital in Prescott, Arizona
Fort Whipple Show map of Arizona Fort Whipple Show map of the United States
Coordinates	34°33′17″N 112°27′10″W / 34.55472°N 112.45278°W / 34.55472; -112.45278
Type	Army fortification
Site information
Controlled by	Arizona
Condition	Medical treatment facility
Site history
Built	1863
Built by	United States
In use	1863–1913
Garrison information
Occupants	United States Army

Fort Whipple was once a United States Army base. It started in a temporary spot near what is now Chino Valley, Arizona. Later, it moved to a permanent home close to Prescott, Arizona. Today, it's a medical center for veterans.

The Story of Fort Whipple

How Fort Whipple Began

Fort Whipple was first set up on December 23, 1863. Major Edward Banker Willis and Captain Nathaniel J. Pishon led soldiers from the First California Volunteers. They built tents and huts at a place called Del Rio Springs.

The fort was named after Amiel Weeks Whipple. He was an American military officer and a skilled engineer. Whipple was a general during the American Civil War and was badly hurt in May 1863.

Before the fort, Lieutenant A.W. Whipple explored the area in 1853-1854. He was looking for a railroad route across the country. He saw the grassy fields at Del Rio Springs and called the area "Val de China."

Arizona's First Capital

On January 22, 1864, Arizona's first governor, John Noble Goodwin, arrived at Fort Whipple. He and other new government officials used the fort as a temporary headquarters. Governor Goodwin was looking for a permanent spot for both the fort and the capital city.

In May 1864, Major Willis moved the fort about 21 miles south. The new spot was near a mining camp on Granite Creek. Governor Goodwin had suggested this location. It was on higher ground, had more wood, and could better protect miners.

The new fort was a large fence made of pine logs. Soon after, in late May, the town of Prescott was chosen as the permanent capital of the Arizona Territory. It was named after historian William H. Prescott.

Early Government and Laws

Governor Goodwin's team helped set up the first election in July 1864. The elected members met in Prescott in September 1864. They created the Howell Code, which were the first laws for the territory.

They also started the Arizona Historical Society and a public education system. This included plans for a public university. Because the legislature met there, Prescott became the main capital.

The old site at Del Rio Springs was still used by scouting groups. It was called Camp Clark. Later, it became a ranch.

Fort Whipple's Military Role

Fort Whipple was a base for soldiers during the American Indian Wars. This was from 1864 to 1886. From 1870 to 1886, it was the main headquarters for the Military Department of Arizona. Colonel George Crook was in charge during this time. He had a new fort built because the old wooden one was falling apart. Most new buildings were finished by 1877.

In 1872, a part of the fort called Whipple Depot burned down but was quickly rebuilt. In 1878, it was renamed Prescott Barracks. Then, in 1879, Prescott Barracks and Fort Whipple joined together. They became known as Whipple Barracks.

From 1885 to 1886, Colonel Benjamin Grierson and his soldiers lived at Fort Whipple. These soldiers were part of the 10th Cavalry Regiment (United States), also known as Buffalo Soldiers. By 1895, the fort was old and worn out. It was planned to close in 1897.

The Spanish-American War and Beyond

In April 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain. Whipple Barracks reopened to gather Arizona volunteers. About 200 volunteers, called the "Arizona Cowboy Regiment," joined up. They were officially the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. They became famous as the "Rough Riders" and fought in Cuba.

Whipple Barracks was quiet from 1899 to 1902. It reopened in April 1902 to treat soldiers. These soldiers were returning from the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. Many new buildings were constructed between 1903 and 1908. About 500 soldiers moved in.

An electric trolley ran between downtown Prescott and Fort Whipple from 1905 to 1911.

Becoming a Hospital for Veterans

Arizona became a state in 1912. The soldiers at Whipple Barracks moved to other places. In 1913, the barracks became a caretaker site, with only a small crew.

During World War I in 1918, Whipple Barracks reopened as a hospital. It was called U.S. Army General Hospital #20. It was built to help soldiers with breathing problems, especially tuberculosis. New hospital wards and other buildings were added.

In 1920, the property was loaned to the U.S. Public Health Service. It became Hospital #50, still treating former soldiers with tuberculosis. In 1922, the hospital's care was transferred to the new U.S. Veterans Bureau. It became one of the best places in the country for treating tuberculosis.

In 1930, the U.S. Veterans Bureau and other agencies joined to form the Veterans Administration (VA). On March 4, 1931, Whipple Barracks officially became part of the VA.

The main hospital building (Building 107) was built between 1938 and 1939. It started taking patients in October 1939.

In July 1959, the VA hospital changed its focus. It became a general medical and surgical hospital. This was because fewer patients had tuberculosis, and more needed other medical care.

On May 17, 1964, the Veterans Administration celebrated Fort Whipple's 100th birthday.

In March 1989, the Veterans Administration became a cabinet-level agency. It was renamed the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In 1995, the VA reorganized to better meet veterans' healthcare needs. The Prescott VA hospital and other clinics became the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS).

On April 17, 2004, the VA hospital in Prescott was renamed. It became the Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This honored Congressman Stump.

On July 29, 2005, a time capsule was buried at the hospital. It was part of the VA's 75th anniversary. It will be opened in July 2030 for the VA's 100th anniversary.

Many new buildings have been added since the VA took over. These include the Community Living Center (built 1987-1997) and the Domiciliary (built 1988-1990). More recent additions are the Outpatient Mental Health building (2014-2015) and the Pharmacy/Laboratory building (2016-2018).

In 1999, Fort Whipple was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is listed as "Fort Whipple/Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Historic District."

Fort Whipple Museum and Historic Buildings

Building 11, a former officer's home, is now the Fort Whipple Museum. It opened in 2004 and is painted light yellow and dark green. The museum shows artifacts and displays about the fort and hospital. You can see old medical tools, Army weapons, information about the Buffalo Soldiers, maps, and photos.

The museum is a joint project of the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. It is currently open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They hope to open more days if there are enough volunteers.

Here are some other historic buildings from 1903-1908:

• The Fort Whipple Officers' Quarters
• The Fort Whipple NCO Quarters
• The Fort Whipple Army Barracks
• The Fort Whipple Post Headquarters
• The Fort Whipple Post Hospital
• The Fort Whipple Theater
• The Fort Whipple Guardhouse

Where Fort Whipple First Stood

Del Rio Springs (north of Chino Valley, Arizona) historical marker. This site is where Fort Whipple was originally established