Fort Bowie

Fort Bowie is a military ruin site in Cochise County, Arizona, located in the dry surroundings of Apache Pass. The adobe walls, foundations, and collapsed buildings spread across a wide, open ground with views of the surrounding mountains and sandy plain.

The fort was established in 1862 during the American Civil War by California Volunteers to secure Apache Pass and its water source. The post remained operational until 1894 and played a major role during campaigns against Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise and later Geronimo.

The name honors George Washington Bowie, an officer with the California Volunteers who served during early skirmishes in Apache Pass. Today, graves in the nearby cemetery remember soldiers, civilians, and Apache scouts who lived and died in this remote desert landscape.

Access is by a roughly 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) walking trail starting at the parking area and passing through open terrain with little shade. Water should be carried, especially during warmer months, as the sun is strong at this elevation.

The site preserves remains of two different forts, the original from 1862 and its successor from 1868, located roughly 500 yards (460 meters) apart. These two installations show how military construction changed within a few years to offer better protection and more space.

Location: Cochise County

Inception: 1864

Website: https://nps.gov/fobo

GPS coordinates: 32.14610,-109.43600

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31