Fort Apache in Navajo County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
First Commanding Officer's Quarters (101)
This log cabin is the oldest surviving building at Fort Apache. The westernmost of a series of eight log cabins built in 1871 to form Officers' Row, this cabin was designated the Commanding Officer's Quarters. It was originally an 18 by 20 foot log pen with a canvas floor. A second pen, attached by an enclosed, ten-foot wide dogtrot was added later. Further additions include a log extension on the northwest side and wood frame additions constructed after the installation of a steam-powered sawmill in 1872. Like all officers' quarters constructed prior to 1883, the kitchen was housed in a detached shed behind the cabin.
The log quarters leaked and were drafty, and were gradually replaced by frame, and then in some cases, stone buildings. This cabin continued to be used as housing for junior officers throughout the Fort period. In the 1920's and '30s the cabin housed teachers for the Theodore Roosevelt School, and later was the home of the tribal trapper.
In 1969 the log cabin became the first home of the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Cultural Center and Museum. It was restored in 1994.
Erected by Fort Apache Historical Park, White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 33° 47.46′ N, 109° 59.457′ W. Marker is in Fort Apache, Arizona, in Navajo County. Marker is at the intersection of General Crook Street and Scout Street, on the left when traveling east on General Crook Street. Marker is located at the Fort Apache Historic Park, 0.7 miles east of AZ-73 on Fort Apache Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Apache AZ 85926, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Captain's Quarters (102 and 103) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barracks Row (about 400 feet away); Girls' Dormitory (120) (about 500 feet away); Parade Ground (about 500 feet away); Commanding Officers' Quarters (104) (about 500 feet away); B.I.A. Club House (105) (about 600 feet away); T.R. School Cafeteria (119) (about 600 feet away); Officer's Quarters (106) (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Apache.
More about this marker. All visitors to Fort Apache Historic Park must first register and pay admission at the Culture Center, just to the left as you enter the park.
Also see . . . Fort Apache Historic Park. White Mountain Apache Tribe website entry (Submitted on October 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 929 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.