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 was first set up in a temporary spot near Chino Valley, Arizona. Later, it moved to a permanent home close to Prescott, Arizona.

History of Fort Whipple

Building the First Fort

The first Fort Whipple was built on December 23, 1863. Major Edward Banker Willis and Captain Nathaniel J. Pishon led soldiers to set it up. They used tents and huts at Del Rio Springs. No permanent buildings were made there.

The fort was named after Amiel Weeks Whipple. He was an American military officer and engineer. He became a general in the American Civil War. Sadly, he was badly hurt in a battle in 1863 and later died.

Before the war, Amiel W. Whipple led an expedition. From 1853 to 1854, he surveyed a route for a railroad. This railroad would go across the country. During his trip, he saw green fields in the Del Rio Springs area. He called this place "Val de China."

Moving the Fort and Capital

On January 22, 1864, the Governor's Party arrived at Fort Whipple. This group included officials for the new Arizona government. Governor John Noble Goodwin used the fort as his main office. He was looking for a permanent spot for the fort and the capital city.

On May 18, 1864, Major Willis moved the fort. It went about 21 miles south to a mining camp. This new spot was on higher ground. It had more wood and could better protect miners. This new fort was a big rectangle made of pine logs.

Around the same time, Prescott was chosen as the capital of Arizona Territory. It was named after a historian, William H. Prescott.

Early Government and Laws

Governor Goodwin's team helped with the first election. People voted for members of the 1st Arizona Territorial Legislature. In September 1864, these lawmakers met in Prescott. They created the Howell Code. This was the first set of laws for the territory.

They also started the Arizona Historical Society. They made plans for mail routes and public schools. This included a public university, which became the University of Arizona. Because the legislature met there, Prescott became the main capital.

The old fort site at Del Rio Springs was still used. It was called Camp Clark. Later, this land was sold and became a ranch.

Fort Whipple's Military Role

Fort Whipple was a key base during the American Indian Wars. This was from 1864 to 1886. Soldiers from different groups stayed there.

From 1870 to 1886, Fort Whipple was the main office for the Military Department of Arizona. Colonel George Crook was in charge. He made sure a new fort was built. The old log fort was taken down. Most new buildings were finished by 1877.

A part of the fort called Whipple Depot burned down in April 1872. It was rebuilt by July 1872. In 1878, Whipple Depot was renamed Prescott Barracks. In May 1879, Prescott Barracks and Fort Whipple joined together. They became known as Whipple Barracks.

Famous Soldiers and Later Years

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

But in April 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain. Whipple Barracks reopened to gather volunteers from Arizona. About 200 volunteers joined. They were called the "Arizona Cowboy Regiment." They later became known as the "Rough Riders" and fought in Cuba.

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

From 1905 to 1911, an electric trolley ran from downtown Prescott to Fort Whipple.

Arizona became a state in 1912. The soldiers at Whipple Barracks moved to other places. In 1913, Whipple Barracks became a "caretaker" post. Only a small team stayed to maintain it.

Becoming a Hospital for Veterans

In 1918, during World War I, Whipple Barracks reopened. It became U.S. Army General Hospital #20. This hospital was for soldiers with breathing problems. Many had tuberculosis (TB). New hospital wards and buildings were added.

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

In 1930, the U.S. Veterans Bureau joined other groups. They formed the Veterans Administration (VA). On March 4, 1931, Whipple Barracks officially became part of the VA.

A main hospital building (Building 107) was built from 1938 to 1939. It opened to patients in October 1939.

In 1959, the VA hospital at Whipple changed. It became a general medical and surgical hospital. This was because fewer patients had TB. More needed general medical care and surgeries.

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

In 1989, the Veterans Administration became a government department. It was renamed the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In 1995, the VA changed how it worked. The VA hospital in Prescott became part of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System (NAVAHCS).

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

On July 29, 2005, a time capsule was buried. 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 and a new Mental Health building. A new Pharmacy/Laboratory building was also built.

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

Fort Whipple Museum and Other Historic Buildings

Building 11 used to be where military officers lived. Now, it is the Fort Whipple Museum. The museum opened in 2004. It is painted light yellow and dark green.

The Fort Whipple Museum has many interesting things. You can see old medical tools and Army weapons. There are displays about the Buffalo Soldiers, maps, and photos. The museum is run by the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. It is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here are some other historic buildings from 1903 to 1908:

• The Fort Whipple Officers' Quarters
• The Fort Whipple NCO Quarters (Non-Commissioned Officers' Quarters)
• The Fort Whipple Army Barracks
• The Fort Whipple Post Headquarters
• The Fort Whipple Post Hospital
• The Fort Whipple Theater
• The Fort Whipple Guardhouse

Original Location of Fort Whipple

This historical marker shows where Fort Whipple was first built at Del Rio Springs.