Fort Apache in Navajo County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Barracks Row
Throughout the military history of Fort Apache, enlisted men were housed with their units to the south of Officers' Row. The first company quarters, completed in February 1871, were 18 by 20 foot log squad huts built in rows running north and south across the area that would become the Parade Ground. The first two rows of eight huts each faced each other on the east end of the Parade Ground and housed a troop of cavalry in each row. A third row of five huts was added 300 feet to the west of the cavalry quarters to house infantry. These huts were cold, damp, drafty, overcrowded and infested with bedbugs.
The first company barracks was built of milled lumber in the fall of 1875. An L-shaped building, it was located approximately where the school cafeteria presently stands. In 1878 an adobe barracks, begun in 1875, was completed and two more frame barracks were added. The garrison continued to grow, and in 1881 additional wings were added to two of the barracks to make them U-shaped. In 1882 a fifth, wooden U-shaped barracks was constructed, and in 1885 wings were added to the other original barracks to make them all U-shaped. In 1889 two final adobe barracks were added on each end of Barracks Row, including the ruined structure still standing on the east end of the row.
After the post was abandoned by the military, the barracks were used as dormitories, classrooms, a cafeteria, and for other purposes by the Theodore Roosevelt School until they could be replaced by new school buildings.
Erected by Fort Apache Historic Park and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Forts and Castles • Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1871.
Location. 33° 47.391′ N, 109° 59.442′ W. Marker is in Fort Apache, Arizona, in Navajo County. Marker is on Scout Street, on the left when traveling north. 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. Girls' Dormitory (120) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Commanding Officer's Quarters (101) (about 400 feet away); T.R. School Cafeteria (119) (about 500 feet away); Captain's Quarters (102 and 103) (about 500 feet away); Parade Ground (about 700 feet away); Commanding Officers' Quarters (104)
(about 700 feet away); B.I.A. Club House (105) (about 800 feet away); Theodore Roosevelt School (118) (approx. 0.2 miles 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 Culture Center, just to the left as you enter the park.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Apache Historic Park. Visit Arizona entry (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Fort Apache History. The White Mountain Apache Tribe tells the history of the area including photos. (Submitted on October 11, 2010.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 998 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6. submitted on October 11, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.