Local Communities

THE GRAND CANYON STATE offers a variety of terrain and climate, from the vast desert stretches of Yuma, the San Francisco Mountains, aspen forests of northern Arizona, to the wonder of man-made Lake Meade. The wealth of beauty in Arizona is something to be experienced. The narratives that follow describe some of the nearby areas of the state that personnel assigned to Fort Huachuca are likely to visit during their stay. By no means is the list complete.

SIERRA VISTA
Adjacent to the post, Sierra Vista, at an elevation of 4,625 feet, boasts a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The town is known for its ideal weather with an average maximum of 75 and minimum of 50 degrees. With a population of more than 37,000, it is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona and is the business and cultural center of Cochise County.

Sierra Vista was incorporated in 1956 so, being fairly new, it is one of the most modern and vibrant cities in the Southwest. Fort Huachuca was annexed by Sierra Vista in 1972, and the military and civilian communities enjoy one of the most cordial relationships of this kind in the entire United States.

The city's school district enjoys an excellent reputation in the education community, and the new Buena High School is a state-of-the-art facility. Higher education is available through Cochise Community College and the University of Arizona Sierra Vista Campus. Chapman University also offers courses in a variety of fields.

Sierra Vista is the shopping center for Cochise County and parts of northern Mexico. Several shopping plazas thrive and most major retailers are represented. Large, well stocked super markets and pharmacies along with dozens of smaller specialty shops abound. The food service industry is well represented and fine dining is available throughout the area. Entertainment and information are also in evidence with first run movies, cable television, local AM and FM radio broadcasts and a daily newspaper.

A wide variety of cultural and family oriented activities are offered during the year. The Winter Arts Festival and Art Discovery Series present a continuing program of plays, concerts, musicals, dances, recitals and readings. Other events throughout the year include the Arizona Junior Rodeo, Thunder Mountain Marathon, Huachuca Stampede Rodeo, Miss Sierra Vista Pageant, Art in the Park arts and crafts sale, Festival of Color hot air balloon rally, Family Festival and the largest Christmas parade in the state of Arizona.

"Hummingbird Capital of the United States" is another name for Sierra Vista. In nearby Ramsey Canyon, 14 species of hummingbirds and hundreds of other birds, mammals, reptiles and plants may be observed and photographed. Within an easy drive are the hiking trails and breathtaking scenery of the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains, Chiricahua National Monument and beautiful Madera Canyon in Santa Cruz County.

Just 25 miles south of the entrance to Fort Huachuca lies your local National Park—Coronado National Memorial. Established by Congress in 1952 to commemorate the exploration of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the first European explorer into the southwestern United States, the Memorial offers outdoor recreational activities for all ages. With eight miles of trails, hikers can enjoy treks through canyons and over mountains, taking in vistas of the San Pedro and San Raphael Valleys. The Memorial also has a large, dry, limestone cave that is open to unguided exploration and is suitable for most ages.

In addition to hiking opportunities, the Memorial is host to numerous plant and animal species which can be viewed by a short hike through the grasslands, into the mountains, at the man-made waterhole at the visitor center or from your vehicle. The Memorial has three miles of paved road and two miles of unpaved road that culminates at Montezuma Pass for some of the most beautiful local views into the surrounding valleys and Mexico. For a wonderful family experience, enjoy one of the many sites in the picnic area directly adjacent to the Visitor Center. With its Spanish architectural styling, the Visitor Center is a great place to get more information for your visit. Services include personal information from staff and volunteers 363 days of the year (we are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas), a short film about the Entrada and Coronado, books and other educational materials related to the Memorial and the area, and exhibits on local culture, wildlife and Coronado's Expedition. The Visitor Center is open to the public daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Memorial is open during daylight hours.

To visit the Memorial, take Highway 92 south towards Palominas about 22 miles south of the Fort. Follow the signs right onto Coronado Memorial Road. The Memorial entrance is about two miles up the road with the Visitor Center about three miles beyond the entrance. The Memorial does not charge an entrance or use fee and additional information on activities and guided tours of the cave can be obtained by calling the Visitor Center at (520) 366-5515.

HUACHUCA CITY
Huachuca City is a community located just north of Fort Huachuca. The town began to develop with the reopening of Fort Huachuca in 1954 and was then known as Huachuca Vista. The town was incorporated in 1958 under the name of Huachuca City. Currently, it has a population of approximately 2,000. The city has a mayor-council form of government and provides the residents with local police and fire protection. Huachuca City has one elementary school with kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students attend classes in Tombstone. Housing available in the area consists of single-family dwellings, apartments and mobile homes. Residents are about 10 to 20 minutes driving time from the post. Huachuca City's business district consists of retail businesses, restaurants and industrial properties.

BENSON
Benson and the San Pedro River Valley are rich in natural wonders and provide a home for deer, javelina, reptiles and many other animals, including more than 500 species of birds. In the surrounding mountains and oasis-like San Pedro Riparian areas, is a treasure trove of hiking trails for the rock hound, bird watcher, camper, historian or nature lover. The area boasts a beautiful temperate climate year round, making it a perfect vacation spot.

The valley is also attractive to industry. Dubbed the transportation "hub" of Cochise County, there is easy access to major highways, rail transit and airports. The San Pedro and Southwestern Railway recently restored a portion of track from Benson to Douglas for excursions as well as freight transit. The route winds through the pristine San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, ghost towns and flourishing tourist communities.

Although Benson was founded in 1880, civilization in the valley began long before. The Spanish missionary, Father Eusigio Kino, established missions in the late 1600s bringing Christianity and agriculture to the resident Pima Indians. The Pima shared the land with the hostile Chiricahua Apache, who eventually gained control of the area.

The U.S. Army waged a difficult campaign against the Chiricahua to protect the homesteaders that began to make their way to the new territory. It was during this time the Mormons settled in St. David, the Butterfield Stage was founded and the Indian legends of Cochise and Geronimo were born.

As the dust of the Butterfield Overland Stage Coach and Pony Express cleared, Benson matured into a bustling railroad town. In 1880 the Transcontinental Southern Pacific Railroad opened the way for two more major rail lines. Its lifeblood was the copper and silver flowing from the neighboring mining communities of Tombstone, Fairbank and Bisbee.

BISBEE
Nestled in the foothills of the Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona, Bisbee resembles a European hamlet more than a dusty 1880s Old West town. Originally called "The Queen of the Copper Camps," Bisbee has a rich history which grew out of its humble beginnings as a mining camp turned boom town in the 1880s. In 1900, it was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Bisbee was rebuilt in 1908 after being destroyed by fire, and its homes and the downtown area still hold a Victorian charm. Bisbee today is rich in architecture and culture, with its numerous art galleries, antique stores, gourmet restaurants, craft shops, museums and period bed and breakfast accommodations as well as hotels. The Queen Mine Tour attracts thousands of visitors each year who ride down into the old tunnels in a string of mining cars. Events and cultural activities include musical presentations from street dances to a professional classical music series, a major national poetry festival, several art openings each month, a fiber arts festival, performances by several local theater groups and a nationally recognized annual weekend bicycle race. Visitors can also enjoy hiking the surrounding area in the cool mile-high mountain air.

ELGIN AND SONOITA
Elgin and Sonoita, Ariz. are a coexistent community. Much like Sonoita, Elgin was a small railway town, the main difference between the two, and where a lot of people get confused, is that Elgin is the home of The Sonoita Appellation, the only place in Arizona where wine can be grown. Because of this there are numerous vineyards all over the Elgin region. The vineyards known as Sonoita Vineyards, and Callahans Vineyard, are well known throughout Arizona and have been around for almost two decades, these practiced wine makers are bringing home awards to show they really know their stuff.

It may be hard to believe that Sonoita is almost 120 years old. Established in 1882 just east of the old Sobaipuri rancheria, Sonoita was just a P.O. Box location and a stop for cattle along the train line. Since it was established Sonoita has been a desirable location for Hollywood film makers because of its vast beauty, roaming hills and friendly natives, some movies include "The Quick and the Dead," "Tombstone," "Tin Cup" and "A Star is Born."

Today Sonoita is home to the oldest continuous events in the state. People have been coming to enjoy the county fair, rodeo and horse races for over 95 years. Sonoita is also home to many bed and breakfast establishments and offers a wide variety of dining options; you can get anything from a full vegan meal to a 16 oz. steak. Just a bit north you will find The Empire Ranch which offers a Fall Roundup Open House, educational Legacy Day and Hands on the Land day camp events for youngsters, and a membership pot luck lunch. If you're looking to get away from the city for awhile and are ready to experience a relaxing trip into our beautiful grasslands, check out Sonoita, Ariz.

Sonoita, Ariz., is located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson and 35 miles northwest of Sierra Vista, and is centrally located for access to many sky islands. Website: http://www.sonoitaelginchamber.org

DOUGLAS
Douglas, located on the U.S.-Mexico border, was founded in 1901 as a site for a copper smelter and was incorporated in 1905. It was originally an annual round-up spot for ranches. Agriculture and ranching are still important segments of the area's principal economy.

Because of its location, international commerce is an important part of the local economy. Douglas has 15 manufacturing plants and Agua Prieta, Mexico, just across the border, has 26, many of the latter operating under the twin-plan concept.

The historic Gadsden Hotel, a frontier landmark since 1907, is one of the more popular attractions in the city. Visitors also frequent the Cochise County Historical and Archaeological Society Museum.

The lure of shopping and sightseeing in "Old Mexico," plus nearness to several outdoor recreation areas, have made tourism and retirement significant to Douglas' economy. Brief visits to Agua Prieta do not require visas or special documents. The city has seven elementary schools, two junior high schools, a high school, a private elementary school and Christian school; along with Cochise College Douglas Campus.

NOGALES
Nogales, Ariz. and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, are twin cities separated only by a fence. The two cities are located about 65 miles southwest of Fort Huachuca. Nogales, Mexico, is a shopping paradise, with a host of colorful markets and shops featuring leather goods, ceramics, tin ware, fabrics, lacquered wood, tile, silverware, sculpture and paintings, and brass and copper.

But Nogales, Mexico, is more than just a village of markets and shops. It is a city of about 250,000 people, many of whom are engaged in handling the international commerce that flows in both directions through the gates separating the United States and Mexico. Nogales, Ariz., has a population of 19,990. There are many famous ranches in Nogales on both sides of the border. Some are still owned by families of the Spanish dons who came to the new world with the Conquistadores. In the hills are fine riding and hiking trails and good hunting areas. A popular attraction in Nogales, Ariz., is the Primeria Alta historical museum in the original Nogales City Hall Building, located downtown.

PATAGONIA, ARIZONA
Patagonia is an artist's hamlet and international birding destination. Charming downtown shops and galleries feature the work of local and regional artists. The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and Patagonia Lake State Park are known worldwide for the 300 species of birds that migrate through or nest along their creeks and waterways. The Paton's house is well known for its hospitality to hummingbirds and the people who like to watch them. Patagonia also offers access to numerous hiking trails, including the historic Arizona Trail, and is just 19 miles from Sonora, Mexico. To find out what's going on around town, all you need to do is hang around the post office all morning and you'll see everyone in town. You can also get lots of local important information from the Post Office bulletin boards. The town boasts a Creative Arts Association, theatre, and several excellent restaurants, along with a number of unique galleries and shops. Visitors come for the spectacular scenery of the valley in which Patagonia is nestled, and the clean air that beckons hikers into the surrounding canyons.

TOMBSTONE
Perhaps one of the best known and most popular attractions in this area is just a 25 minute drive from Fort Huachuca on Charleston Road. It is Tombstone—"The Town Too Tough To Die."

Fort Huachuca figured into its founding since it was from there that young Ed Schieffelin set out in the late 1800s to find silver in the San Pedro Hills. He was told by Soldiers at the post that all he would find would be his tombstone because of the constant danger of hostile Apaches. So, when Schieffelin made his first strike in 1877, he named the claim Tombstone.

News of his silver strike spread and quickly brought prospectors, miners, businessmen, fortune hunters, lawmen and the lawless until the population of Tombstone reached 12,000 to 15,000 in 1881. Today, its population is 1,800.

Surging waters in the mines ended the boom in the late 1890s, but not before names like Virgil and Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, the OK Corral and the Clanton Gang were household words throughout the nation.

The Tombstone of today is still fascinating to visit, with many of the fabled places, such as the OK Corral, Bird Cage Theater, Crystal Palace Saloon and Boot Hill Cemetery—much as they were in the heyday of the town.

Those wild days of the 1880s are recreated each year with exciting three-day celebrations, including: Wyatt Earp Days, Memorial Day weekend; Rendezvous of Gunfighters, Labor Day weekend; and Helldorado Days, the third Friday weekend in October. For information on events in Tombstone, call the visitor's center at (520) 457-3929.

TUCSON
Tucson, just 75 miles to the northwest, and an hour-and-half away by car, is a modern, progressive city—yet it retains the culture and flavor of the Old West. With a history dating back to Indian settlers in 800 A.D., and later the Spanish Conquistadores, Tucson was established as a walled presidio by the Spanish in 1776—the year the American colonies declared their independence from England.

The city did not become part of the United States, however, until 1853, following the Gadsden Purchase.

Tucson is located in a desert valley surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides, with an elevation varying from 2,400 feet in the Tucson Valley, to more than 9,000 feet atop Mount Lemmon.

Renowned for its superb weather and described as "one of the most rapidly growing communities in the nation today," Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona, with a population of approximately 712,600. The city offers varied entertainment, recreational facilities, spectator sports and social and cultural events throughout the year.

Tucson is also the home of the University of Arizona. With an enrollment of more than 35,000 students, the university is organized into 112 academic subdivisions and departments, and 33 divisions of research and special service. It offers bachelor's degrees in 142 fields of study, master's degrees in 140 and doctorates in 97. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and is a member of the Pacific 10 Conference.

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is a key Air Combat Command installation, located within the city limits of Tucson, Ariz. The 355th Wing, the host unit, provides medical, logistical and operational support to all D-M units.

The wing's missions are to train A/OA-10 pilots and provide A/OA-10 close air support and forward air control. The wing is also tasked to provide command, control and communications countermeasures with its EC 130-H aircraft and, employing the EC-130 aircraft, provide airborne command, control and communications. Approximately 6,000 military and 1,700 civilian employees work at Davis-Monthan.

Two major air commands, the Air Reserve and the Air National Guard are represented by associate units at D-M. Twelfth Air Force is charged with commanding, administrating and supervision tactical forces west of the Mississippi River. As one of ACC's numbered air forces, 12th AF operates combat-ready forces and equipment for air superiority working with U.S. and allied forces.

The Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, an Air Force Material Command unit, is responsible for the storage of more than 4,900 excess Department of Defense and Coast Guard aircraft.

The 305th Rescue Squadron, an Air Force Reserve unit, flies the HH-60G helicopter, with a primary mission of search and rescue. Detachment 1, 120th Fighter Interceptor Group, an Air National Guard unit, flies the F-16 "Fighting Falcon." These aircraft can "scramble" in less than five minutes to identify and intercept any airborne threat to U.S. security.

Other federal agencies using the base include the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Customs Service Air Service Branch, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and a detachment of Naval Air Systems Command.  read more...

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