Fort McDowell was established in September 1865. This important garrison was set up approximately twenty miles southeast of what would later become Cave Creek, at the confluence of the Verde River and Sycamore Creek.
Establishment Context
The timing of Fort McDowell's construction is significant within the historical landscape of the American West:
- Post-Civil War: Its establishment occurred shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War in April 1865.
- Arizona Territory: The fort was founded about two and a half years after Arizona officially became a territory, marking a period of growing military presence and expansion in the region.
The strategic location at the convergence of two waterways made Fort McDowell a crucial post for military operations in the Arizona Territory during its early years.
