Founded in 1877, Fort Huachuca is still an active military post. In its early days the fort played an active role in the settlement of southeast Arizona and the final capture of Geronimo in 1886. It is also known as the home of the Buffalo Soldiers, Negro troops of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry. Two museums and…
Author: discoverseaz
The Gadsden Purchase
President Franklin Pierce sent James Gadsden to Mexico City in 1853 with several proposals for buying from Mexico land to the south of the boundaries established by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The preferred options would have given the United States a port on the Gulf of California which would allow much more expeditious transport…
The Entry of the Spanish
The Conquistadors The voyages of Columbus were quickly followed by a burst of Spanish exploration and conquest in Cuba and Mexico. By 1517, Diego Velazquez, the governor of Cuba, was sending out expeditions to explore the shores of Yucatan and the Mexican Gulf. In November 1518, Hernan de Cortes landed in Mexico with five hundred…
Attractions in Northern Mexico
Read Mexico Travel Tips from US State Dept. It is no longer quite as easy as it used to be for Americans to pop down into Mexico for a little shopping or sightseeing. Before you enter Mexico make sure you have the proper documents for getting back into the U.S. after your visit. A passport is required. If you are a…
The Battle of Apache Pass
Captain Thomas L. Roberts, First Infantry California Volunteers, with 126 men, was ordered to march east from Tucson to San Simon (about 175 miles) to set up a supply depot for the Column from California. Captain John Cremony was in charge of the cavalry escort and the wagon train consisting of 21 wagons and 242…
Star-Gazing
Few spots offer the opportunities for star-gazing and night photography found in southeastern Arizona. The night-time temperatures are pleasant year round and the absence of city lights offers an astonishing backdrop of stars. Local observatories offer star-gazing opportunities to amateur and professional astronomers. Huachuca Astronomy Club presents public/member star parties, speakers and informative meetings. Meetings…
Lieutenant Emory Reports
During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) troops and supplies needed to reach California from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, via the uncharted lands that now make up the states of New Mexico and Arizona. An expedition led by General Stephen Watts Kearny explored the territory from Fort Leavenworth to California. Lieutenant William Emory (pictured) led a topographical unit on this expedition…
Agave blooms
In March, 2009 two agave plants on our property in southeastern Arizona sent up stalks indicating they were going to bloom. This offered a great opportunity to follow the development of the flowers and seeds and take photographs of the entire process, which took place between mid-March and the end of July. For general information…
Horses of the Plains
Written and Illustrated by Frederic Remington from The Century, a popular quarterly, Volume 37, Issue 3, January 1889 To men of all ages the horse of northern Africa has been the standard of worth and beauty and speed. It was bred for the purpose of war and reared under the most favorable climatic conditions, and its…
Rex Allen Museum and Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame
150 S. Railroad Ave, Willcox (520) 384-4583 This small western museum is located in downtown Willcox on historic Railroad Avenue. It includes memorabilia of Willcox native Rex Allen, a famous singing cowboy of records, movies, and tv. Also included are local history and displays of western stars. Theater and gift shop. Admission charge. Rex’s stallion,…