Near Bowie in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Stage Station Ruin

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

1. The Stage Station Ruin Marker

Inscription. The Apache Pass Stage Station was built of stone in July 1858. Within its 6-8 foot-high walls were a kitchen-dining room, sleeping rooms, a storage room for feed and weapons, and a mule corral with portholes in every stall. The stage stopped here for a change of mules, a moment of rest, and what passed for a meal – bread, coffee, meat, and beans – for fifty cents.

During the Bascom Affair, soldiers, Butterfield employees, and passengers sought refuge here. On quieter days a burro carried water in two ten-gallon wooden kegs from Apache Spring to the station. Increasing sectional tensions caused the southern Butterfield Overland Mail route to be discontinued in March 1861.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Butterfield Overland Mail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1861.

Location. 32° 8.934′ N, 109° 26.975′ W. Marker is near Bowie, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from Fort Bowie Trail, 0.6 miles south of Apache Pass Road. Marker is located along the trail at the Fort Bowie National Historic Site. For most visitors access to the fort is via a 1.5 mile hiking trail of moderate difficulty. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bowie AZ 85605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. Bascom-Cochise Meeting Site (a few steps from this marker); The Butterfield Overland Mail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bascom Affair (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Parke Camp Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Post Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency (approx. ¼ mile away); The Battle of Apache Pass; July 15-16, 1862 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mining Cabin (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowie.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

2. The Stage Station Ruin Marker

Bascom/Cochise Meeting Site Marker is in the center left background.

The Stage Station Ruin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

3. The Stage Station Ruin

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 771 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.