10 Facts About Fort Verde State Historic Park

Forte Verde is a small U.S. army fort that was very active during the Civil War. Learn more with these 10 facts about the fort.

1) It Was a Base for General Crook’s U.S. Army Scouts and Soldiers

Between the 1870s and the 1880s, many men called this fort home.

2) It is the Best-Preserved Fort That Was Used During the American Indian Wars

This is the place to visit if you want to experience life through the eyes of a frontier soldier during the American Indian Wars.

3) Some Original Buildings Still Stand in the Park Today! 

You won’t have to use your imagination to learn all about the lives of these men.

4) Settlers Needed Army Protection From Nearby Indians

When the settlers attempted to establish an area that the Indians already had, things became quite hostile.

5) The Initial Army Members Were Mexican Volunteer Recruits

They were called fierce fighters because they were often barefoot and working on half rations.

6) A Year Later, U.S Army Soldiers Relieved the Volunteers

They moved the tent camp, changing the name to Camp Lincoln and then to Camp Verde in 1868.

7) Camp Verde Had 22 Buildings Surrounding a Parade Grounds

The camp was able to hold two companies of infantry and two companies of cavalry, but often had only one each.

8) Camp Verde Was an Important Staging Base for Military Operations

It became the origin of a road west to Fort Whipple near Prescott, and a road east to Fort Apache.

9) Camp Verde Was Renamed Fort Verde in 1879

It was changed to signify permanence. The name change had little effect, however, and the fort was abandoned in 1891. Then it was sold at public auction in 1899.

10) 27 Doctors Served Those at Fort Verde

They ranged from medical school graduates to no formal training.