Brown Parade Field: Echoes of the Horse Soldiers

Brown Parade Field, located within Fort Huachuca, has been the heart of military activity since the fort's founding in 1877. This expansive field, named in honor of Brigadier General William C. Brown, who commanded the post and the 10th Cavalry, has witnessed countless ceremonies, drills, and exercises. For over a century, the field has been a training ground for U.S. Army horse cavalrymen, and it continues to be a place where the traditions of the past resonate with today's soldiers. Official ceremonies are still performed on Brown Parade Field, often featuring presentations by the mounted B Troop Cavalry in full historic uniforms. The field is surrounded by buildings that have been preserved to reflect their historical appearance, including the Post Commander's quarters, the Old Post Barracks, Leonard Wood Hall (the former hospital), and General's Row. The flagpole at Brown Parade Field stands at an altitude of 200 feet above sea level. Two black cannons, Civil War-era 3-inch ordinance rifles, flank the base of the flagpole and were once used as 'sunset guns' during the daily Retreat ceremony. Today, World War II-era howitzers fulfill this role, though the sound is now a recording. Brown Parade Field is a key stop on the Military Intelligence (MI) Museums walking tour.