Fort Whipple

Fort Whipple Museum occupies a restored 1909 officer's quarters on the grounds of the former military installation near Granite Creek. The building now functions as a museum within the VA Medical Center campus.

Founded in 1864, the fort served as the headquarters of the Military Department of Arizona from 1870 to 1886 during conflicts with American Indian tribes. This role established it as a key center of military operations in the territory.

The exhibits document how the site evolved from a military outpost to a modern medical facility serving veterans. Visitors can trace this transformation through photographs and artifacts that show how the place's purpose shifted over generations.

The museum is located on the VA Medical Center campus and requires visitors to check in at the security gate with valid identification. Plan ahead to allow time for security screening before entering the grounds.

The fort was transformed into a tuberculosis hospital in 1918, redirecting its purpose to treat and care for ailing veterans. This unexpected shift reveals how quickly military priorities changed when medical needs demanded it.

Location: Yavapai County

Inception: 1863

Website: https://sharlothallmuseum.org/fort-whipple-museum

GPS coordinates: 34.55275,-112.45529

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52