C. S. Fly Photograph Indian Scouts Fort Huachuca, Arizona Territory ca 1880s....

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C. S. Fly Photograph Indian Scouts Fort Huachuca, Arizona Territory ca 1880s. Fort Huachuca is a product of the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. In February 1877, Colonel August B. Kautz, commander of the Department of Arizona, ordered that a camp be established in the Huachuca Mountains. This camp would offer protection to settlers and travel routes in southeastern Arizona while simultaneously blocking the traditional Apache escape routes through the San Pedro and Santa Cruz valleys to sanctuary in Mexico. A temporary camp was established at the post's current location on March 3, 1877, by Captain Samuel Marmaduke Whitside with two companies of the 6th Cavalry. The site was selected because it had fresh running water, an abundance of trees, excellent observation in three directions, and protective high ground for security against Apache tactical methods. Camp Huachuca was redesignated a fort in 1882.
In 1886, General Nelson A. Miles designated Fort Huachuca as his advance headquarters and forward supply base for the Geronimo campaign. Geronimo's surrender in August 1886 practically ended the Apache danger in southern Arizona. The Army closed more than 50 camps and forts in the territory, but Fort Huachuca was retained because of continuing border troubles involving renegade Indians, Mexican bandits, and American outlaws and freebooters.

Large size photograph taken by C. S. Fly of Tombstone, Arizona Territory. A very nice outside photograph of a couple dozen armed apache scouts and possibly Lt. Gatewood in center of photograph. They have their tents set up at Fort Huachuca in the field. In period ink verso; "Indian Scouts Post Huachuca Ariz". Measure approximately 8.50" x 5.25".

Condition: Fine-very fine, light soiling on mount