1. Where is the visitor center?
The Fort Bowie Visitor Center is located at the end of the 1.5 mile walk. Check out the Operating Hours and Seasons page for current visitor center hours.
2. Do I have to walk the trail to see the fort?
Considered by most to be a "moderate" hike, the just under 200 foot elevation gain, uneven terrain and semi-arid desert environment can prove to be a tad too much for some park visitors. An alternative access, which includes driving along a narrow gravel road and limited parking spaces, is an option for visitors unable to make the hike. To use this alternative access see the Directions page.
3. What will I see along the walk?
There are several important sites along the way including; the remains of the Butterfield Stage Station, the Post Cemetery, a replica of a Chiricahua Apache Camp, and Apache Spring which still provides water to this area.
4. Why was this location chosen for the fort?
It was the dependable water source of Apache Spring that was the most important reason for choosing this area for the fort.
5. When did the Chiricahua Apaches surrender?
Naiche, Cochise's son, and Geronimo negotiated the final surrender of the Chiricahua Apaches in September 1886.
6. What happened to the Chiricahua Apaches?
They were first sent to Fort Marion in Florida, then Mt. Vernon Barracks in Alabama, and finally Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
7. Where are the Chiricahua Apaches today?
Some still live near Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Others moved to the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico after they were released from their prisoner of war status in 1913.
8. When did Fort Bowie close?
Fort Bowie was abandoned by the military in October of 1894. In 1964 Fort Bowie National Historic Site was established to protect the remaining walls and foundations of the fort buildings, and to tell the story of this clash of cultures.
