Fort Huachuca

Fort Huachuca. the former training ground within the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area has a storied past well beyond its designation as a sanctuary for its riparian ecosystem. The following narrative provides a brief history regarding the use of this area as a military installation during the Apache Indian Wars, World War I and World War II., Fort Huachuca's Beginnings , In 1877, this area was established as a military outpost named Camp Huachuca because of its sheltering hills and perennial stream. In 1882, the camp was designated as Fort Huachuca and the fort's soldiers protected settlers and transportation routes during the Apache Indian Wars. The fort remained active through World War I and was home to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, one of the original all African-American cavalry regiments., Fort Huachuca During World War II , On September 9, 1943, the federal government obtained a lease from the Boquillas Land and Cattle Company to use 3,220 acres of land. The land became part of the fort's East Artillery Range; and was used for artillery and infantry training., A portion of the leased land contained the ruins of the town of Charleston. Charleston was founded in 1879 and abandoned some time before 1889. The U.S. Army improved the ruins, enabling infantry troops to practice combat training (simulated village and street fighting exercises) in an urban-like setting., Between 1946 and 1947, all leases affecting the Boquillas land and Charleston ruins were terminated or cancelled. In the summer of 1947, Fort Huachuca closed. During that year, Detachment No. 14 of the 9800th Technical Support Unit searched the "Boquillas Area of Cochise County" for ordnance and explosive hazards; however, specific locations where items were found or the areas cleared are not provided in historical documentation., Fort Huachuca After World War II , In 1951, the Army moved back into the developed area of the fort and began a major renovation of the post. On November 18, 1988, the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management established 56,000 acres of land along the San Pedro River, including the Boquillas land; as the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA)., On September 30, 1999, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that the Boquillas land and the former Charleston ruins were eligible for the Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program. The FUDS property encompasses 3,220 acres within the SPRNCA. It is bordered by the active Fort Huachuca to the west and the San Pedro River to the east., Enjoy SPRNCA Safely , Munitions related to past military use have been reported at SPRNCA. While encounters are rare, SPRNCA visitors need to be aware that potentially hazardous munitions could remain due to past military use of the area. Accordingly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advises SPRNCA visitors not to pick up, handle or examine any potential military debris and to follow the 3Rs of Explosives Safety., Follow the 3Rs of Explosives Safety: , Recognize - when you may have encountered a munitions and that munitions are dangerous. , Retreat - do not approach, touch, move or disturb it, but carefully leave the area. , Report - what you saw and where you saw it by calling the 24-hour Federal Law Enforcement Communication Center at (623) 434-4580 or 911., photo captions: , · Above: Soldiers assault the ghost town of Charleston, AZ by scaling cargo nets. Date unknown. , · Below: Firing exercises for the 93rd Infantry Division, 1943 , · Spent 30-caliber housing. July 2009 , · 155mm illumination round. July 2009 , · 81mm mortar fragment. July 2009