Description: How do you say Huachuca?
Fort Huachuca is situated at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains. The name comes from an obscure Indian dialect which, loosely translated, describes a
place of thunder. Today the home of the US Army and Military Intelligence Command, the fort was established in 1877 to subdue the raiding Apaches and their leader Geronimo.
Before entering the fort, you must stop at the visitors’ center, located at the main gate. Here, you will need to identify yourself and receive a visitor’s pass for your vehicle. Maps and historical information are provided here as well. A life-sized sculpture of a
Buffalo Soldier greets you as you enter Fort Huachuca.
Actually, there are two museums located on the Fort:
The Fort Huachuca Museum highlights stories of the Apache Wars and the famous Buffalo Soldiers, while just across the street, the newer
Military Intelligence Museum details the Fort’s more recent Army communications and intelligence endeavors.
The older museum features a series of life-sized displays which uniquely depict the role of the Army and its soldiers during the Apache Wars. It also pays tribute to the dedicated efforts of the US Indian Scouts. In 1913, the fort became the home base of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Therefore, historical information and memorabilia of the 9th and 10th Cavalry units are housed here. The two regiments of all-black soldiers, it’s said, were so named because their hair resembled that of the buffalo.
A large sculpture of an Indian Scout pointed our way as we crossed the parade ground to arrive at the newer museum. Here, we found a
walk-through exhibit of Communications and Intelligence as it has evolved and as it now exists in today’s military. A 3,000-pound section of the Berlin Wall is on display, as well as the Mercedes Ggelandwagen, which was used by the West German liaison in Berlin during the Cold War. The exhibits were exceptional, but the sound system played a song --
Down in Old Arizona Again,
over and over! We spent the rest of the day trying to get the tune out of our heads!
The museum complex is open from 9am to 4 pm on weekdays, and 1pm to 4 pm on weekends. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated.
Oh, and by the way -- it’s pronounced Wah-choo-ka!
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