In March 1877 Captain Samuel M. Whitside and two companies of the 6th United States Cavalry established a camp at the mouth of Huachuca Canyon. This isolated camp had two missions, protect the settlers in the area and prevent Apache raiding parties from escaping into Mexico. With clean running water, wood for fuel and construction and, above all, excellent observation into the San Pedro and San Rafael valleys, the site was ideal for the mission.

In 1882, noticing the low incidence of sickness among the Soldiers, the Army made the camp permanent and designated it "Fort Huachuca". The soldiers began construction of buildings using wood, stone and adobe. By early 1886 Fort Huachuca became the advanced headquarters of General Nelson A. Miles' campaign against Geronimo. Following Geronimo’s surrender in August 1886 the threat of Apache depredations in the area subsided and many of the frontier posts, camps and stations were closed. Because of its strategic location near the Mexican border, Fort Huachuca remained open and active. In the decades that followed, troops from the post were used in operations against other renegade Indians, Mexican bandits and American outlaws.

In 1913 the black troopers of the 10th United States Cavalry, the "Buffalo Soldiers", arrived at Fort Huachuca and remained for almost twenty years.  During this time they participated in the 1916 punitive expedition into Mexico led by Brigadier General John J. Pershing. As a young cavalry officer, General Pershing had served with black troopers and his admiration for these well disciplined and dedicated soldiers earned him his lifelong nickname "Black Jack". During World War I the troops of the 10th Cavalry were used to guard the United States - Mexico border.

During World War II the post population soared to more than 30,000 as two black infantry divisions, the 92nd and the 93rd trained here. With the departure of these units to the war zone, little activity remained and at the end of the war the post declared surplus.

Following a period under the authority of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, during which time a Bison (Buffalo) herd was established: the post returned to military control. Shortly after the onset of the Korean War, Fort Huachuca was designated the training site for Engineer troops specializing in the construction of military airfields. Libby Army Airfield resulted. At the end of the conflict the post once again fell into limbo.

In 1954 the Chief Signal Officer, United States Army, discovered that southeastern Arizona was ideal in area and climate for the testing of electronic and communications equipment.  As a result the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) reopened Fort Huachuca as an active Army post and from that time on it has steadily increased as a vital contributor to the national defense.

U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command became the host activity until changed to U.S. Army Communications Command and subsequently Information Systems Command in 1984. In the parallel time frame, during the Viet Nam War, a Training Brigade was activated that trained thousands of troops in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The Combat Surveillance and Electronic Warfare School was established to instruct soldiers in the use of tools and equipment for the electronic battlefield. This equipment included the military satellite, airborne side-looking radar and infrared sensors, unattended ground sensors and ground surveillance radar. In 1972 the school was deactivated and its mission was absorbed by the U.S. Army Intelligence School, which moved from Fort Holabird, Maryland. In the next few years other Army Intelligence activities were concentrated at Fort Huachuca and by 1990 U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) had become the post's major command and would subsequently be known as the United States Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca.

The 11th Signal Brigade is the largest troop unit on post. During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm the 11th was deployed to the Middle East where they set up, maintained and operated the largest military communication network ever established. The 11th Signal supports Army operations around the world with quality military communication. Also during Desert Shield / Storm, ten Army National Guard and Army Reserve units were mobilized and deployed from Fort Huachuca. Other units and activities on post include the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade (Training), U.S Army Intelligence Center and School, U.S. Army Signal Command, U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground and the Joint Interoperability Test Center. The U.S. Army Garrison contains numerous smaller units and activities.

Libby Army Airfield and Sierra Vista Municipal Airport share the same facility.  The airfield is currently being remodeled and upgraded and when completed will be able to accommodate the very largest military and civilian aircraft.

The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity operates the Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center, the Runion Dental Clinic and Veterinary, Preventive Medicine, and Mental Health Activities.

The Raymond W. Bliss Army Community Hospital is a modern, well-equipped military facility providing a wide variety of health care services to authorized personnel with both inpatient and outpatient care. A complete pharmacy is maintained as is a nationally certified laboratory and a diagnostic radiology service. For information call (520) 533-2313.

Fort Huachuca was annexed by the City of Sierra Vista in 1972 and these two entities currently enjoy one of the most cordial relationships, of this kind, in the United States. Joint community activities such as Armed Forces Day, The Mule Mountain Marathon, Festival of Color Balloon Activity, 4th of July celebration and Christmas Parade are but a few. Appearing at many of these events are the 36th Army Band and B Troop, 4th U.S. Cavalry (Memorial). B Troop is a horse mounted group of volunteers keeping alive the heritage and flavor of the Post's beginning. The Troop is nationally famous and has appeared in Presidential Inaugural Parades, the Rose Bowl Parade and in television and movies.

Fort Huachuca offers outstanding recreational opportunities for all authorized personnel. Three clubs, an 18 hole golf course, Barnes Field House, two outdoor and one indoor swimming pools, 24 lane bowling facility, recreation center, youth center, sportsman's center and riding stables.  Opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, picnicking and bird watching abound. An outdoor recreation rental center has everything the sports person could want for a modest fee. Call (520) 538-2270 for prices and availability

The Fort Huachuca Historical Museum depicts the history of the U.S. Army in the southwest and gives a glimpse of what military life was like for soldier and family. The museum houses one of the most complete and unique military collections in the southwest. Open to the public weekly from 9am to 4pm and 1pm to 4pm weekends, closed on holidays. A well-stocked gift shop run by volunteers is in the building. For information call (520) 533-5736 or the gift shop at (520) 533-3402.

Army Community Service (ACS) provides information, assistance, and guidance to members of the military community to assist in solving personal and family problems beyond the scope of their own resources. Active duty and retired military persons may call ACS for help and assistance. Call (520) 533-2330.

Fort Huachuca has all the amenities of any large Army Post, with Commissary, Post Exchange, Class VI Store, Education and Learning Center, Movie Theater, Religious Center, Library, Post Office and Service Station. For further information on Fort Huachuca call Post Public Affairs at (520) 533-2752 or Telephone information at (520) 538-7111.

Revised 10 - 20 - 97