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Former US Fort Apache: A Window into the Old West

Explore a historic US Army fort and discover the rich culture of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in Fort Apache, Arizona.

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Explore the historic Fort Apache, a former US Army fort established in 1870, now a captivating historic park and cultural center on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. Discover the complex history of conflict and cooperation between the U.S. Army and the Apache people through well-preserved buildings and engaging exhibits.

A brief summary to Former US Fort Apache

Local tips

  • Check in at the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center & Museum to get a map and learn about the history of the fort before exploring the grounds.
  • Visit the Kinishba Ruins, an ancient pueblo site located a few miles from Fort Apache, to learn about the area's prehistoric inhabitants.
  • Take a hike on the East Fork Canyon trail to see remnants of an Apache scout camp and enjoy the scenic beauty of the White Mountains.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pinetop-Lakeside, drive south on AZ-73 for approximately 30 miles. Turn east onto Indian Route 46, following signs to Fort Apache. The Fort Apache Historic Park will be about 0.5 miles on your right. There is no fee to drive this route. Parking is available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Fort Apache are limited, you can take a shuttle or bus from Show Low or Pinetop-Lakeside to Whiteriver, the headquarters of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. From Whiteriver, Fort Apache is approximately 4 miles south. You can then take a taxi or arrange for a local shuttle to reach the historic site. Taxi fares from Whiteriver are typically around $15-$20.

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Discover more about Former US Fort Apache

Step back in time at the Former US Fort Apache, a significant landmark nestled within the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. Established in 1870, the fort played a crucial role in the Apache Wars, serving as a base for the U.S. Army's operations in the region. Today, it stands as a testament to the complex history of conflict and eventual cooperation between the U.S. military and the various Apache bands. The Fort Apache Historic Park encompasses 288 acres and features over 20 buildings dating from the 1870s to the 1930s. Visitors can explore well-preserved structures such as General Crook's Cabin (dating back to 1871), officer's quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, and the old military cemetery. These buildings offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the soldiers and officers stationed at this remote outpost. The White Mountain Apache Cultural Center & Museum, also located within the park, provides invaluable insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Through artifacts, exhibits, and historical photographs, visitors can learn about the tribe's rich heritage and their connection to the land. The museum also houses a collection of Apache basketry, beadwork, and other arts. Fort Apache served not only as a military post but also as the site of the Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School from 1923 onwards. This school, initially intended for Navajo children, later primarily served Apache children and represents a controversial chapter in the history of assimilation policies. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic site, explore the Kinishba Ruins located four miles west of the fort, or hike the 1.4-mile loop trail through East Fork Canyon to see remnants of an Apache scout camp and an ancestral Pueblo village.

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