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Fort ApacheIn 1869, Major John Green selected this site near the confluence of the north and east forks of the White River as a supply base for troops in the field. Although the White Mountain Apache proved friendly, Army officers thorough it wise to keep an eye on them and to prevent white settlers from encroaching on Indian land. Established as Fort Ord in 1870, the post's name was changed to Camp Mogollon, then Camp Thomas, and finally to Camp Apache - all within one year! Troops and Apache scouts rode out to subdue rebellious Apache in the Tonto Basin (1872-73) and then to fight Victorio (1879) and Geronimo (1881-86). The last major action was the Mexican Campaign (1916-17). In 1922, the U.S. Indian Service converted the fort into a boarding school and named it in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. Surprisingly, most of the first students were Navajo, but local Apache enrolled later. Plans closed for the school to close in 1990, though the tribe may move its executive offices here. Apache Cultural Center has old photos, Apache crafts, and military artifacts. There is also a display about the history of the scouts and soldiers who manned the fort. One of the most prominent Apache scouts was Alchesay, whose name you see so often in the reservation. Known for his honesty and dedication to both the Army and his people, Alchesay helped put down rebellions of hostile tribes and assisted General Crook in making peace with Geronimo in 1886. |
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