WELCOME TO THE VERDE VALLEY WORKSHOP

ABOUT THE FORT

Fort Verde was established in 1865, when the Yavapai and Apache Indians in the area began attacking the newly built farming settlement.  The fort was originally named Camp Lincoln.  The name was later changed to Camp Verde, due to the fact that so many camps had been given the name Lincoln.  Fort Verde was used as a base for patrols, a supply center and staging spot for activities.  Indians never attacked the fort.

General George Crook arrived at Camp Verde in 1872 charged with squelching the Apache and Yavapai Indian uprisings.  General Crook proved successful.  The Indians were placed on the Rio Verde Reservation in 1873.  Then the federal government took the reservation away two years later, this forced the tribe to go to the San Carols Reservation.  The Indians were forced to march 150 miles to the San Carlos Reservation to live.  This famous march was named “March of Tears”.  Many Indians lost their lives during the trek.   Then in 1879, the name changed again, this time to Fort Verde.  The wars in the area were almost over when then name change occurred.  The in 1891, Fort Verde closed. 

Today the old Fort Verde has been made into Fort Verde State Historic Park.  The 10-acre park includes an administration building, bachelor’s quarters, commanding officer’s house, doctor’s quarters and part of the parade field.   Visitors will have an opportunity to see these surviving buildings left from the fort’s heydays.