Cool Places: Visit Arizona Military Landmarks

Arizona's military story begins with the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500s. These settlers established missions and garrisons or presidios to protect mission villages in Arizona, California and New Mexico. Over the centuries, Indians repeatedly tried to protect their homelands by resisting these Spaniards, and later, the Mexicans and Americans as well. 

The American presence, which began during the U.S. Mexican War, led to numerous conflicts known today as the Indian Wars. During this time, on April 15, 1862, a small Civil War skirmish took place in Arizona at Picacho Peak. It became the site of the westernmost battle of that war and is annually commemorated with a re-enactment.

One of the most famous Indian War campaigns took place in 1864, when Kit Carson led the U.S. military effort that forced the Navajos to move to a remote area of Canyon de Chelly. The Apache Wars were the longest and bloodiest, and ended only when Geronimo surrendered in 1886, assured that he and his men would be imprisoned for only two years and then allowed to return to their homeland. Instead, all of them, including women and children, were made prisoners of war for 27 years.

Today, Arizona is home to two major air force bases, Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, as well as Fort Huachuca, a U.S. Army base. In addition to its military bases, Arizona was the site of 18 Titan Missile installations. All of the national Titan Missile sites have been destroyed except one near Tucson, which can be toured.

Titan Missile Museum
The Titan Missile Museum is the only Titan Missile site that remains intact. The guided tour includes the launch control room with a simulated launch and then continues down the 200 ft. tunnel for a close up look at the Titan II missile. Daily from 9am to 5pm.
150 West Duval Mine Road Sahuarita, AZ 85629 • 520-625-7736
http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/

Fort Huachuca and Museum
Fort Huachuca was established in 1877 as a temporary camp near the Huachuca Mountains, and today as the home for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School. The Fort Huachuca Museum features military and Indian artifacts, photos and dioramas covering the history of the Fort from the Apache Wars to the present day.
2133 Cushing Street Sierra Vista, AZ 85616 • 520-533-5736
http://www.army.mil/community/state/huachuca.html

Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Fort Bowie tells the story of the conflict between the Chiricahua Apaches and the U.S. Army
3203 South Old Fort Bowie Road Bowie, AZ 85605 • 520-847-2500.
http://www.nps.gov/fobo/index.htm

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