Fort Crittenden (Sonoita, Arizona)

Sonoita · Arizona · Apache Wars

Quick BriefFort Crittenden was a short-lived U.S. Army post established August 10, 1867, near Sonoita in Arizona's Sonoita Valley to protect settlers and campaign against Apache forces. Named for Colonel Thomas L. Crittenden, a Civil War veteran, the fort operated only six years before closing June 1, 1873. Its most notable casualty was Lieutenant H.B. Cushing, killed in a skirmish with Cochise's warriors in May 1871.

History & Significance

Fort Crittenden, originally designated Camp Crittenden, was established at Davidson Canyon's head, one-half mile northeast of the abandoned Fort Buchanan, which had been attacked and burned by Apaches in February 1865. The post was formally designated by General Orders on September 30, 1867, and garrisoned by detachments from the 32nd Infantry and 1st Cavalry.

Its purpose was to protect settlers in the Babocomar, Sonoita, and Santa Cruz Valleys during the height of Apache resistance under Cochise. The fort was constructed of adobe with a perimeter wall twelve feet high and contained company barracks, a hospital, commissary, storehouse, and corrals.

In its prime (April 1868), it held 258 enlisted men and eight officers. The post saw significant military action between 1870 and 1871.

On May 5, 1871, Lieutenant Cushing was killed leading troops from the fort in a skirmish with Cochise's band—a casualty that highlighted the garrison's active patrol and pursuit operations. The fort was closed June 1, 1873, reportedly due to unhealthy conditions. Today, deteriorating adobe walls, earth mounds marking former barracks foundations, and a historical highway marker commemorate the site on private property near Sonoita.