Apache Pass (Fort Bowie National Historic Site)-Bowie, AZ
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 32° 09.132 W 109° 28.878
12S E 643219 N 3558316
The route of historic Apache Pass – long abandoned and faint – is marked with posts. As you drive over the next 3 downward miles, contemplate what is must have been like over 100 years ago.
Waymark Code: WM11PVK
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 11/28/2019
Views: 7
Apache Pass (Fort Bowie National Historic Site)-The Road Below
"We started through Apache Pass, over awful roads, up hill and down. We had to tie the wagon wheels with ropes and then in some places, the men had to stand on the wheels to keep them from turning over. Every man who could leave the wagon had to take his gun and go on guard through the pass."
Ruth Shackleford's diary, 1868
The route of historic Apache Pass – long abandoned and faint – is marked with posts. As you drive over the next 3 downward miles, contemplate what is must have been like over 100 years ago. Though the road is not modern by today's standards, consider the crudeness of the track in Mrs. Shackleford's day – the slow, plodding pace over steep and stony grades, always with the threat of an Indian ambush hovering in the air.
You'll discover more roadside exhibits along the way; look for an exhibit marker on a post before each turnout.
Two miles ahead is a parking area and ramada near the trailhead for the 1 1/2 -mile trail leading to the Fort Bowie ruins. Allow sufficient time for a leisurely walk through history.
Journals
Early Travel Through Apache Pass
The history of Apache Pass is preserved in the fragmentary tales of its people: of Chiricahua Apaches whose dialogue is almost forgotten . . . and a variety of other Americans, who at least wrote fleetingly of their experiences and conditions here.
"We followed the bed of a dry arroyo where there was scarcely room for wagon wheels, let alone room for the driver. This road was overshadowed by handsome trees, among which I noticed the pecans, the ash, oak, willow, etc."
Diary of emigrant Robert Eccleston 1849
"All were set about searching for it [water] at once; and after some time thus spent, one of the men happily struck a trail which he followed half a mile up a ravine and there discovered a spring and a fine pool of crystal water [Apache Spring]."
Journal of John R. Bartlett United States Commissioner U.S. And Mexican Commission 1851
"Still continuing on our course, we crossed a number of valleys and cañadas near their sources, having much difficulty with our wagons upon steep descents and ascents . . . A few Apaches made their appearance, showing themselves only to the end of the train. Two or three of our men approached them and were saluted with cries of “muchos amigos.”"
Journal of Lt. John Parke Topographic Engineer Pacific Railroad Surveys, 1854.
"Why not give me Apache Pass? Give me that and I will protect all the roads. I will see that nobody's property is taken by Indians."
Cochise to General Oliver Howard 1872
Marker Name: Apache Pass (Fort Bowie National Historic Site)
Type of history commemorated: Place
County: Cochise
Name of any agency/ agencies setting marker:
National Park Service-Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Year placed: No date shown
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Visit Instructions:
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