History of Cochise County, Arizona
Cochise County, located in southeastern Arizona, is a region rich in history, spanning from its Native American origins to its Wild West heritage. Named after the famed Apache leader Cochise, the county was officially established in 1881. Known for its rugged desert landscapes and historical mining towns, Cochise County became famous during the 19th century for its conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and its role in the expansion of the American West. Today, the county preserves its historical significance while offering a gateway to Arizona’s diverse natural and cultural attractions.
Cochise County Facts
- Founded: February 1, 1881
- Population: Approximately 125,447 (as of 2020)
- Area: 6,219 square miles
- Area Codes: 520
- ZIP Codes: 85602, 85603, 85607, 85610, 85611, 85613, 85615, 85616, 85617, 85620, 85625, 85626, 85630, 85635, 85638, 85643, 85644, 85670, 85671
- County Seat: Bisbee
- Major Cities: Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Douglas, Willcox, Tombstone
- Famous Landmarks:
- Tombstone and the O.K. Corral
- Chiricahua National Monument
- Fort Huachuca
- Cochise Stronghold
- Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Early History of Cochise County (Pre-1800s)
Native American Inhabitants
Long before European settlers arrived, the region that is now Cochise County was inhabited by Native American groups, primarily the Apache people. The Apache were a nomadic tribe known for their strong resistance to encroaching European settlers. The Chiricahua Apache, under the leadership of Cochise and later Geronimo, dominated the region, using the natural geography of the mountains and deserts to their advantage.
The Cochise Stronghold, located in the Dragoon Mountains, was a natural fortress used by the Apache to defend themselves against both Mexican and American forces. The Apache relied on the region’s abundant natural resources for hunting and gathering, and they had an extensive knowledge of the land, which allowed them to evade capture for many years during conflicts with settlers and military forces.
Spanish Exploration and Mexican Rule (1500s-1848)
Spanish Exploration (1500s-1821)
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers, led by figures like Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the southwestern United States, including present-day Cochise County, in search of riches and new territories for the Spanish crown. The Spanish brought with them horses, livestock, and new agricultural practices, which would later influence the development of the region. However, their efforts to establish lasting settlements in the area were largely unsuccessful due to the harsh environment and resistance from the Apache.
For the next several centuries, the region remained under nominal Spanish control, though the Apache maintained dominance over much of the territory. The Spanish established missions and trade routes in parts of Arizona, but Cochise County itself saw little permanent settlement during this period.
Mexican Rule (1821-1848)
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region became part of the newly formed Mexican state. Mexican settlers began to move into parts of southern Arizona, including the region that would become Cochise County. However, conflict with the Apache continued, as they resisted both Mexican and American expansion into their lands.
The Mexican government encouraged settlement in the region by offering land grants, but few settlers ventured into the area due to the ongoing Apache threat and the remote, rugged terrain. The area remained sparsely populated and largely under the control of the Apache until the mid-19th century.
U.S. Acquisition and Apache Conflicts (1848-1880s)
The Gadsden Purchase (1854)
In 1848, following the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, which transferred much of present-day Arizona to the United States. However, it wasn’t until the Gadsden Purchase in 1854 that the land comprising modern Cochise County was officially acquired by the U.S. government. The Gadsden Purchase aimed to secure land for a southern transcontinental railroad route and expanded U.S. territory south of the Gila River.
The acquisition of the region by the U.S. government led to an influx of settlers, miners, and ranchers, but it also sparked increased conflict with the Apache, who viewed the American encroachment as a violation of their traditional lands. The U.S. military established outposts in the region to protect settlers and enforce U.S. sovereignty, leading to a series of violent confrontations known as the Apache Wars.
Apache Wars and Cochise (1861-1872)
One of the most significant figures during this period was the Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise, for whom the county is named. Cochise led a band of Apache warriors in a series of guerrilla-style attacks against American and Mexican settlers, as well as military forces, in defense of his people’s land and way of life.
The Bascom Affair in 1861, a botched attempt by the U.S. military to capture Cochise over a misunderstanding involving a kidnapped boy, escalated tensions between the Apache and the U.S. government. This event triggered over a decade of warfare between Cochise’s band and U.S. forces. Cochise and his warriors used the natural terrain of the Dragoon Mountains, including Cochise Stronghold, to evade capture and launch surprise attacks on settlers and soldiers.
In 1872, Cochise agreed to a peace treaty negotiated by U.S. Army General Oliver O. Howard, which resulted in the establishment of a reservation for the Chiricahua Apache in southeastern Arizona. Cochise died in 1874, and his exact burial site remains a mystery, although it is believed to be somewhere within Cochise Stronghold.
The Wild West and the Mining Boom (1880s-1900s)
Founding of Cochise County (1881)
Cochise County was officially established on February 1, 1881, after being separated from Pima County. The creation of Cochise County coincided with the rapid growth of the mining industry in southeastern Arizona, as prospectors flocked to the region in search of valuable minerals such as silver, copper, and gold.
The county seat was originally located in Tombstone, which had emerged as a boomtown following the discovery of silver in the area. Tombstone quickly became one of the most famous towns in the American West, known for its lawlessness, saloons, and notorious gunfights.
Tombstone and the O.K. Corral Gunfight (1881)
One of the most iconic events in Cochise County’s history is the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone. The gunfight involved lawmen Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and their ally Doc Holliday, who faced off against members of the outlaw gang known as the Cowboys, including Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne.
The shootout, which lasted less than 30 seconds, resulted in the deaths of three Cowboys and became a defining moment in Wild West history. The events surrounding the gunfight and its aftermath helped solidify Tombstone’s reputation as a lawless frontier town and contributed to the legends of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
Mining Boom and Economic Growth
The discovery of silver in Tombstone and copper in Bisbee, another key city in Cochise County, fueled a mining boom that brought thousands of settlers to the region. By the late 1800s, Bisbee had become one of the largest copper mining towns in the world, and its mines produced vast quantities of copper, silver, and gold.
The success of the mining industry in Cochise County spurred the construction of railroads, the growth of businesses, and the development of infrastructure in the region. However, the boom was short-lived, as the silver mines in Tombstone eventually flooded, leading to the town’s decline by the early 1900s. Despite this, Bisbee remained a thriving mining town well into the 20th century.
20th Century Developments and Military Influence (1900s-Present)
Fort Huachuca and Military Growth (1913-Present)
Fort Huachuca, located near Sierra Vista in Cochise County, was established in 1877 as a military outpost to protect settlers and stage operations during the Apache Wars. In the early 20th century, the fort played a crucial role in U.S. military operations, particularly during World War II, when it served as the base for the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division, known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
Fort Huachuca continues to be a significant military installation and is currently home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and the 9th Signal Command. The presence of the fort has had a lasting impact on the region, providing economic stability and contributing to the growth of nearby Sierra Vista.
Bisbee and the Decline of the Mining Industry
By the mid-20th century, the mining industry in Cochise County began to decline as the richest ore deposits were depleted and the demand for metals fluctuated. Bisbee, once one of the most prosperous mining towns in the country, saw its population shrink as mining operations slowed. The Phelps Dodge Corporation, which had operated the copper mines in Bisbee, closed its last mine in the area in the 1970s.
However, Bisbee reinvented itself as a tourist destination, with its historic buildings, art galleries, and museums drawing visitors interested in the town’s rich mining history and unique architecture. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution, preserves the legacy of the town’s mining past.
Modern Cochise County
Today, Cochise County is a blend of historical preservation and modern development. Tombstone, with its preserved Wild West attractions, continues to be a popular tourist destination, while Bisbee’s artistic community thrives in its historic downtown. Sierra Vista, the county’s largest city, has grown as a result of its proximity to Fort Huachuca, providing services and amenities to military personnel and their families.
Cochise County’s natural beauty, including Chiricahua National Monument and the Coronado National Forest, attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the region’s rugged terrain. The county’s agricultural sector, particularly cattle ranching, also remains an important part of the local economy.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks in Cochise County
Tombstone and the O.K. Corral
Tombstone is one of the most famous Wild West towns in America, known for the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The town’s historic district, museums, and reenactments of the famous gunfight draw thousands of visitors each year.
Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument, located in the Chiricahua Mountains, is known for its unique rock formations, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity. The monument preserves the history of the Chiricahua Apache and the region’s volcanic landscape.
Fort Huachuca
Fort Huachuca, an active military base, is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and the Fort Huachuca Museum. The museum highlights the fort’s history, including its role in the Apache Wars and its use by the Buffalo Soldiers.
Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s mining heritage. The museum is located in the historic downtown area and features exhibits on Bisbee’s copper mining history and its impact on the region’s development.
Present-Day Cochise County
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Cochise County has a population of approximately 125,447 people. The county’s population is concentrated in cities such as Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Douglas, with smaller towns and rural communities spread throughout the county’s vast area.
Economy and Infrastructure
Cochise County’s economy is driven by a mix of military, tourism, agriculture, and services. Fort Huachuca is a major employer in the region, while tourism in Tombstone, Bisbee, and the county’s natural parks contributes to the local economy. The county’s agricultural sector, particularly cattle ranching and farming, remains an important part of the rural economy.
