Graham County Military Forts

Graham County military camps and forts were largely for the protection of settlers during the Apache wars. After Geronimo's surrender and a lessening of Apache hostilities, some forts were repurposed for a time.  But only one would remain into modern times, serving as a school for troubled children.

Old Maps Online

Fort Goodwin: 1 May 1864 - 14 Mar 1871. Named for John Goodwin, the first Territorial Governor. The establishment of this military outpost was first in support of civil war efforts of the California Volunteers. It ultimately was abandoned due to malaria-prone mosquitos in nearby stangnant waters.  Remains of soldiers buried at Fort Goodwin were removed to Arlington National Cemetery or the San Francisco Presidio.

Fort Grant: 1 Nov 1865 - Oct 1905. First named Camp Stanford in honor of California governor, LeLand Standford, it was renamed Fort Breckenridge and finally Camp and then Fort Grant in honor of Ulysses S. Grant in 1965. Fort Grant was also in support of the California Volunteers during the Civil War and then the Apache wars.  In 1913 the Arizona Industrial School (former Reform School) moved there from Benson, AZ.  In 1973 the Arizona Department of Corrections began using it as a Training Center.

Fort Thomas: Sep 1876 - Dec 1892. Named for General Lorenzo Thomas Adjutant General during the Civil War. Fort Thomas' location and creation was specifically in response to the threat from warring Apaches in nearby San Carlos and Fort Apache. After Geromino's surrender it lost its importance.  Forty-seven soldiers were disinterred from its cemetery and moved to San Francisco Presidio when the Fort closed.

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