Camp Naco, Arizona, stands as a unique and enduring testament to a turbulent era in American history. This significant site, also known as Fort Naco and Fort Newell, began as a crucial military camp in southeastern Arizona, playing a pivotal role in the Mexican Border Project and serving as a vigilant guardian during the Mexican Revolution. It remains the only surviving border fort from the numerous outposts constructed during this period, offering a tangible link to the past.
Initially established as a temporary encampment, Camp Naco’s strategic location made it indispensable. Soldiers were first stationed here in November 1910, tasked with maintaining peace and order along the U.S.-Mexico border amidst the escalating conflicts of the Mexican Revolution. This presence became even more critical during events such as the intense Battle of Naco in 1913 and the subsequent Siege of Naco in 1915, which unfolded just across the border in Sonora, Mexico. American troops observed these conflicts closely, ready to intervene if the fighting spilled onto U.S. soil or threatened American citizens.
The Genesis of a Border Fort: Responding to Cross-Border Turmoil
The origins of Camp Naco, Arizona, are deeply intertwined with the volatile political landscape of early 20th-century Mexico. As the Mexican Revolution raged, the U.S. government recognized the urgent need for a robust military presence along its southern border. The Mexican Border Project was initiated to establish a series of strategic military camps and forts designed to deter rebel activity, protect American citizens and property, and prevent the conflict from spreading into the United States. Camp Naco quickly emerged as one of the most vital of these outposts.
The continuous fighting across the border necessitated a constant military presence. Naco, Arizona, became a de facto observation post and a staging ground for troops ready to respond to any incursions. The skirmishes and full-scale battles occurring in the Mexican town of Naco, directly adjacent to the American side, drew considerable attention, with many U.S. citizens gathering to witness the dramatic events unfold. The soldiers stationed at Camp Naco were not merely static defenders; they were active observers, patrolling the border relentlessly and ensuring the safety of those who came to witness history in the making.
Protecting the Border: The Mexican Revolution Era and Buffalo Soldiers
The urgency of Naco’s role escalated significantly following Pancho Villa’s audacious raid on Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916. This attack underscored the vulnerability of the U.S. border and prompted a more aggressive defense strategy. Naco, Arizona, was promptly designated as a primary staging area for American troops deployed to protect the lengthy and often porous border.
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Camp Naco’s history is the service of the renowned African American Buffalo Soldier units. From 1911 to 1924, Fort Huachuca assigned elements of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 25th Infantry regiments to the Naco Cantonment. These brave soldiers were instrumental in maintaining peace and order. Their duties were multifaceted: they patrolled vast stretches of the border, often in challenging desert conditions, ensuring that American sovereignty was upheld. Crucially, they also provided direct protection to U.S. citizens who flocked to Naco to observe the intense battles of the Mexican Revolution from a safe distance. The presence of the Buffalo Soldiers at Camp Naco, Arizona, highlights a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter in their distinguished military legacy and the broader narrative of American border defense.
Construction and Deployment: A Unique Adobe Installation
While the initial camp was a temporary setup, the strategic importance of Naco led to more permanent construction. Camp Naco was officially established in 1917 as a critical component of the Mexican Border Project. Recognizing its enduring significance, formal construction of an official fort commenced two years later in 1919. This ambitious building project continued until 1922, funded and managed under the United States War Department’s Border Defense Construction program. What makes Camp Naco particularly distinctive is its construction material: it was the only post built of traditional adobe as part of the extensive border defense network. Furthermore, it holds the unique distinction of being the only site of its kind in Arizona that still stands today, a tangible link to an eventful past.
The fort became a bustling hub for various military units. It served as home to members of the esteemed 9th and 10th Cavalry, along with the 25th Infantry of the U.S. Army. Additionally, it functioned as the headquarters for the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard. At any given time, the troop strength at Camp Naco fluctuated dramatically, ranging from as few as 50 soldiers to as many as 5,000 during peak periods of border tension. This variation underscores its adaptive and crucial role as a rapid response and deployment center, effectively projecting American military might and ensuring border security throughout a period of significant regional instability. The diverse array of troops, including the celebrated Buffalo Soldiers, contributed to the fort’s robust operational capabilities and rich historical tapestry.
Post-Revolution: Civilian Conservation Corps and Decline
By 1923, with the immediate threat of the Mexican Revolution largely subsided, the need for a large military presence along the border diminished. Consequently, Camp Naco, Arizona, was officially closed as a military installation. However, its story did not end there. In 1935, during the Great Depression, the site found a new purpose when it was reoccupied by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC, a New Deal program, utilized the existing infrastructure of the former military camp to house young men engaged in various conservation projects in the region. This occupation lasted until 1937, adding another layer to the camp’s multifaceted history and demonstrating its adaptability to national needs beyond military defense.
Following the departure of the CCC, the camp entered a prolonged period of neglect. The adobe and wooden buildings, once vibrant with military activity, began to deteriorate rapidly. Exposed to the harsh elements of the Arizona desert, combined with significant vandalism, erosion, and even acts of arson, the structures slowly crumbled. The once-formidable fort faced an uncertain future, its historical significance overshadowed by decay.
Preservation and Legacy: Camp Naco Today
The fate of Camp Naco remained precarious for many years, passing through various hands since 1990. However, in a significant turning point, the site was ultimately acquired by the city of Bisbee, Arizona, in 2018. This acquisition marked a renewed commitment to preserving this important piece of American history. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local nonprofit group, the Friends of Camp Naco, some of the historic buildings have undergone partial restoration, breathing new life into the aging structures and preventing further loss. Their work is vital in ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy of this unique border outpost.
Recognizing its profound historical importance, Camp Naco, Arizona, has been deservedly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation provides a layer of protection and acknowledges its unique contribution to understanding U.S. military history and border dynamics. Today, while the buildings are secured behind a chain-link fence to protect them from further vandalism, visitors can still observe these historic structures from the road, gaining a glimpse into the past. The ongoing preservation efforts ensure that Camp Naco’s story as a sentinel of the border and a significant site for the Buffalo Soldiers continues to be told and remembered.
Conclusion: A Standing Sentinel of History
Camp Naco, Arizona, represents more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a vital monument to a pivotal era of American history. From its origins as a strategic military encampment during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution to its later role with the Civilian Conservation Corps, the site has witnessed and shaped significant historical events. As the only remaining adobe border fort in Arizona from that period, its unique architectural and historical integrity is irreplaceable. Through the diligent efforts of preservationists and its recognition on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp Naco stands as a testament to the resilience of its structures and the enduring legacy of the soldiers, including the valiant Buffalo Soldiers, who served there. Its continued existence offers invaluable insights into the complex history of the U.S.-Mexico border and the men who guarded it.
