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

Apache Spring

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

1. Apache Spring Marker

Inscription. Pottery fragments found around Apache Spring suggest it was used by prehistoric Mogollon Indians before the Apache arrived. Journals of early Spanish explorers described Apache trails radiating from the spring. The Butterfield Trail was constructed through Apache Pass simply to take advantage of the precious spring water. Disputes over the spring water caused a raging conflict between Cochise and California Volunteers over a century ago. Without Apache Spring, there might not have been a stage station, of a Fort Bowie.

Apache Spring provided water for the first Fort Bowie – located on the hill to your right. It has quenched many a historic thirst. Yet today, we cannot guarantee the spring's purity. Please drink only water provided at the visitor center (¼ mile).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 32° 8.739′ N, 109° 26.441′ W. Marker is near Bowie, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from Fort Bowie Trail, 1.2 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.

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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 distance of this marker. First Fort Bowie (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Post Trader (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Battle of Apache Pass; July 15-16, 1862 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Infantry Barracks (approx. ¼ mile away); Second Fort Bowie (approx. ¼ mile away); Quartermaster Storehouse (approx. ¼ mile away); The Chiricahua Apache Indian Agency (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cavalry Mess Hall and Kitchen (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowie.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

2. Apache Spring Marker

Spring is at dark spot in center of photo.

Apache Spring image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, January 8, 2017

3. Apache Spring

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2017. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 748 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2017, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.