Fort Verde Preserves the Past
By Roger Naylor
History can be a stale subject. It often lacks attention-grabbing appeal. Then there are those sights, those exhibits that blow the dust off the bones of distant eras and instantly transport you. The Verde Valley is blessed with several such attractions but none more effective than Fort Verde.
It’s easy to forget among such scenic splendor but the Verde Valley was a hardscrabble frontier not long ago. In the mid-1800s settlers grew crops along the Verde River, selling goods to nearby miners and Prescott, the territorial capital. The increased population disrupted the hunting and gathering of local Indian tribes and they began raiding the farmers’ crops for food.
The farmers requested military protection and in 1865 the first of several posts was established, beginning with a small encampment south of what would become Camp Verde. Next was Camp Lincoln, a mile north of the fort’s current site. Camp Verde was built from 1871-73 and later renamed Fort Verde to give it an air of permanence.
During this time Fort Verde served as the primary base for General George Crook’s U.S. Army soldiers and scouts, tasked with capturing members of the Apache and Yavapai tribes and placing them on reservations.
Today, Fort Verde State Historic Park is the best preserved example of an Indian Wars period fort in Arizona. Three buildings remain from those days: the living quarters for the commanding officer, the doctor’s quarters and the quarters for bachelor officers. Each has been converted to a museum-quality exhibit, furnished in the style of the times and stocked with original artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors who study the decor will gain an appreciation of life on the frontier for these soldiers, the hardships they faced and the comforts they sought. A glimpse at the crude surgical instruments displayed in the doctor’s quarters will make everyone grateful for advancements in medical technology.
Start at the visitor center for a quick orientation before beginning your tour. This was originally the fort’s administration building and now serves as an informative museum containing exhibits on weaponry, uniforms and the crucial role played by Indian scouts. All buildings are listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places due to their unique architectural and historic significance.
Take your time. Notice the details. Without this little fort, there wouldn’t be a town of Camp Verde. Indeed, there likely wouldn’t be a Sedona or Cottonwood or much else in the area. Picnic tables on the grounds make this a perfect spot to relax and unleash your imagination. Listen for the faint echo of a distant bugle, the whinny of horses and the rhythmic march of soldiers drilling on the parade grounds. It wasn’t so long ago.
Details: Fort Verde State Historical Park is located at 125 E. Hollamon St., just off Main St. in downtown Camp Verde. The park is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 7-13 and free for children 6 and under.
Special Events: Fort Verde State Historical Park holds special events throughout the year, including a Victorian Christmas in December and a History of a Soldier in April. But by far the largest, most lavish and most popular event is the sprawling Fort Verde Days celebration that takes place the second weekend in October. Activities include living history presentations with the Buffalo Soldiers and re-enactors, cavalry drills, a fashion show and a vintage baseball game. Check the website calendar for updates.
Information: 928-567-3275
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