Fort Thomas, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s Gila Valley, the story of Fort Thomas, Arizona is one woven with threads of military necessity, the echoes of conflict, and the eventual transition from a frontier outpost to a quiet community. The establishment of a military presence in this region stemmed from the need to provide security for settlers and travelers following the closure of Fort Goodwin, a previous attempt to maintain order in the area. The Gila Valley, a fertile and strategically important area, required a continued military presence to safeguard against potential threats and maintain peace.
The initial incarnation of what would become Fort Thomas, Arizona was established in the summer of 1876, approximately six miles east of the abandoned Fort Goodwin. This nascent post was christened Camp Thomas, a tribute to Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, who had passed away the previous year. Camp Thomas served as a rudimentary base of operations, intended to provide a more secure environment than had existed following the closure of Fort Goodwin.
Within two years of its founding, the decision was made to relocate Camp Thomas to a more suitable site. This new location would eventually become the present-day townsite of Fort Thomas, Arizona. The relocation signified a commitment to establishing a more permanent and robust military presence in the region. At its zenith, the fort boasted a complex of 27 buildings, all painstakingly constructed from adobe by the very soldiers stationed there. These structures served a variety of purposes, from barracks and officers’ quarters to storage facilities and administrative offices.
Much like its predecessor, Fort Goodwin, Fort Thomas, Arizona was not immune to the challenges posed by the region’s environment. Malaria outbreaks plagued the post throughout its active years, taking a toll on the health and morale of the soldiers stationed there. The prevalence of malaria underscored the harsh realities of life on the frontier, where disease was as much a threat as any potential conflict.
In 1882, Camp Thomas underwent a significant transformation, officially being redesignated as a fort. This change in status reflected the growing importance of the post and its increasing role in maintaining order in the Gila Valley. Coinciding with this redesignation, Fort Thomas became the regimental headquarters for the esteemed 3rd U.S. Cavalry. This further solidified the fort’s position as a key military installation in the region, responsible for overseeing and coordinating cavalry operations.
The period following the Battle of Cibecue on August 30, 1881, marked a time of intense activity for Fort Thomas, Arizona. From this point until the final surrender of the legendary Apache leader Geronimo in 1886, the fort served as a vital hub for military operations aimed at suppressing Apache resistance. Soldiers from Fort Thomas actively participated in campaigns and patrols, playing a crucial role in the effort to bring an end to the Apache Wars. The fort’s strategic location and its resources made it an indispensable asset during this turbulent period.
However, with the eventual cessation of the Apache Wars and the surrender of Geronimo, the need for a large military presence in the Gila Valley began to diminish. As the perceived threat subsided, troops were gradually reassigned to other posts, leading to a gradual decline in the activity and importance of Fort Thomas, Arizona. The fort’s purpose had been served, and as the frontier landscape changed, so too did the role of the military installation.
In the spring of 1891, Fort Thomas was officially handed over to the Department of the Interior. This transfer marked the end of the fort’s military chapter and the beginning of its transition into a civilian community. The buildings and land that had once been dedicated to military purposes were now repurposed for civilian use, contributing to the growth and development of the surrounding town.
The town that had grown up around the fort, adopting its name, faced its own challenges in its early years. Fort Thomas, Arizona initially gained a reputation for being a rough-and-tumble frontier town, characterized by the presence of brothels and saloons. This reputation reflected the transient nature of the population and the lack of established social structures in the early days of the community.
Despite its somewhat checkered past, the small, unincorporated community of Fort Thomas, Arizona has persevered and continues to be populated today. While the fort itself no longer stands, its legacy lives on in the name of the town and in the memories of those who have called it home. The community serves as a reminder of the region’s rich history and the role that the military played in shaping its development.
Today, little remains of the original Fort Thomas. The site of the first Camp Thomas is marked by a bronze plaque, bearing the single word "Geronimo." This plaque is located on the north side of U.S. Highway 70, situated between the abandoned village of Geronimo and the present-day town of Fort Thomas, Arizona. The inscription serves as a poignant reminder of the historical events that transpired in this area.
The site of the second Fort Thomas is located approximately one mile west along U.S. Highway 70, across the highway from the Fort Thomas High School. Sadly, there are no readily visible remains of the fort, save for a few scattered stones with mortar between them, nestled on a low hillside to the southeast of the original site. These remnants offer a faint glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to imagine the once-bustling military post that stood there. The sparse physical evidence underscores the passage of time and the transformation of the landscape.