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Battle of Big Dry Wash Memorial

Explore the site of the Battle of Big Dry Wash near Payson, AZ, where the U.S. Army and Apache warriors clashed in a pivotal 1882 battle.

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Visit the site of the Battle of Big Dry Wash, a significant engagement in the Apache Wars, fought in 1882. A stone monument marks the location where the U.S. Army clashed with White Mountain Apache warriors, offering a glimpse into Arizona's history and the rugged landscape where the conflict unfolded.

A brief summary to Battle of Big Dry Wash

  • 39157 Old Rim Rd, Payson, Arizona, 85541, US

Local tips

  • The monument is located off Rim Road (Forest Road 300) near General Springs; a vehicle with some clearance is recommended.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the area can be hot and dry, especially during the summer months.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Mogollon Rim, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, or the town of Payson.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Payson, head north on Highway 87. Continue past the Highway 260 junction for a few miles to Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) on your right. Follow Rim Road east for approximately 12 miles to the Battle of Big Dry Wash historical marker. The road is unpaved and can be rough in sections. Parking is available near the marker.

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Discover more about Battle of Big Dry Wash

The Battle of Big Dry Wash, fought on July 17, 1882, is considered the last major battle between the U.S. Army and the Apaches in Arizona. It marks a significant moment in the Apache Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States and various Apache tribes. The battle took place near what is now Payson, Arizona, an area known as the Rim Country, characterized by the Mogollon Rim's dramatic cliffs and dense pine forests. In the spring of 1882, a group of White Mountain Apache warriors, led by Na-tio-tish, left the San Carlos Reservation. They raided settlements in the Tonto Basin, leading to the dispatch of fourteen cavalry companies to pursue them. The Apache ambushed and killed several settlers, further escalating tensions. The U.S. Army, under the command of Major Andrew Evans and Captain Adna R. Chaffee, sought to quell the uprising. Al Sieber, the Army's Chief of Scouts, and his Apache scouts played a crucial role in locating the warriors. The battle occurred when the Apache, planning an ambush, were outmaneuvered by the U.S. Army. The army, alerted by scouts, positioned troops to flank the Apache, leading to a fierce engagement. Despite being outnumbered, the U.S. Army prevailed, marking a turning point in the conflict. A stone monument now stands at the site, commemorating the soldiers and scouts who participated in the battle. The surrounding landscape, with its heavy pine forests and rugged canyon, remains largely unchanged since 1882. The Battle of Big Dry Wash is a testament to the complex history of the American West, highlighting the struggles between settlers, the U.S. Army, and Native American tribes. Visiting the site offers a chance to reflect on this history and appreciate the natural beauty of the Arizona Rim Country.

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