Cochise County

Cochise County is an administrative unit in southeastern Arizona that spans roughly 16,100 square kilometers and includes desert valleys, mountain ranges, and wide grasslands. The region borders Mexico directly and stretches from the Dragoon Mountains in the north to the Mule Mountains in the south.

The administrative unit was established in 1881 and named after an Apache leader who shaped the region in the 19th century. Tombstone served as the first administrative seat before it moved to Bisbee in 1929, which benefited from copper mining.

The territory preserves traces of Apache culture, Spanish settlers, and early miners, visible in local festivals and regional cuisine. Many towns hold rodeos and historical reenactments where visitors can witness everyday life from the 19th century.

Most towns sit along a few main roads that pass through wide landscapes and often require longer drives between individual destinations. Gas stations and shops are mainly found in larger towns, so preparation is recommended before longer trips.

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area within this administrative unit provides habitat for over 350 bird species during their annual migrations. Ornithologists travel from many countries to observe rare species such as the green kingfisher or the rose-throated hummingbird.

Location: Arizona

Inception: 1881

Capital city: Bisbee

Shares border with: Santa Cruz County, Pima County, Graham County, Greenlee County, Hidalgo County, Agua Prieta, Cananea, Naco, Santa Cruz

Website: http://cochise.az.gov

GPS coordinates: 31.88056,-109.75361

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42