People

Chiricahua National Monument has diverse human history. Discover the lives of people who lived here over thousands of years.

 
Hand-tinted photograph of wikiup, with adults and children standing outside or sitting inside.
Chiricahua Apache Before 1861

The Chiricahua Apache lived in the Southwest for hundreds of years and clashed with Mexican and American governments.

 
 
Old wooden fence in field with grass, bordered by trees, and a rocky hill in the background.
Early Pioneers of Bonita Canyon

Discover a few of the early pioneers who first settled in and around what is now Chiricahua National Monument.

Log cabin in grassy field in front of large rocky hill.
The Stafford Family

The Stafford family homesteaded Bonita Canyon from 1880 to 1918.

Old pair of brown, tall riding boots against a gray background.
Roster of Individual Soldiers

Uncover the lives of soldiers who were stationed in Bonita Canyon in 1885-1886 during the Geronimo Campaign.

Mounted Buffalo Soldiers (10th Cavalry, Troop M) charging.
History of the 10th Cavalry

Learn about African American soldiers (Buffalo Soldiers) in the 10th Cavalry.

Black and white portrait of man and woman
Emma Erickson

Discover the story of Emma Peterson, a young Swedish immigrant who made southern Arizona her home.

Man on horseback in front of rock formations
Neil Erickson

Follow Neil Erickson's life from Sweden to the US Army, US Forest Service, and Faraway Ranch.

Black and white portrait of woman with horse and dog standing in front of a large house.
Lillian Erickson Riggs

Lillian ran Faraway Ranch for decades and advocated to protect what is now Chiricahua National Monument.

Man and old fashioned car.
Ed Riggs

Cochise County native Ed Riggs was important in developing Faraway Ranch and advocating for Chiricahua National Monument to be established.

 
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    Last updated: February 7, 2019

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    Mailing Address:

    12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd
    Willcox, AZ 85643

    Phone:

    520 824-3560

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