The Battle of Doubtful Canyon
Date: May 3, 1864
Location: Doubtful Canyon, near Steins Peak, Arizona Territory
After the establishment of the New Mexico and Arizona Territories in February 1863, Military Governor James Henry Carleton, the General of the California Column, began ordering the construction of forts in the territories along major trading routes and towns. This was in response to continued uprisings by several tribes in the area that began prior to and during the Confederate occupation. Carleton issued an ultimatum to these tribes: Surrender to the Union Army, leave your homeland, and relocate to reservations.
Military Governor James Henry Carleton
Noncompliance would be dealt with, severely, and such a heavy-handed order essentially ensured that this brutal conflict would continue.
One such fort, Fort Cummings, was established in close proximity to Cookes Canyon, the site of a desperate battle between Apaches and Confederates previously in 1861.
In late April 1864, a company of Union infantry under the command of Lieutenant Henry H. Stevens in Fort Cummings received an order to reinforce Fort Bowie, located about 140 miles west in the Arizona Territory. After making preparations for their long march through the arid desert, the company departed and commenced their journey.
Fort Bowie c. 1886
By May 3, 1862 and about 100 miles into their journey, Stevens and his company had reached Doubtful Canyon, a canyon notorious amongst colonizers for Apache ambushes. On guard, the Union soldiers entered the canyon. From above on the canyon walls, Apaches rose from concealed positions and opened fire into the soldiers below. Stevens ordered his men to hold their position, and returned fire. The fierce skirmishing lasted for approximately another hour, until the Apaches withdrew from the canyon. Gathering their dead and wounded, Stevens and the remaining Union soldiers rallied and continued their march toward Fort Cummings, eventually reaching it later that month.
Fort Cummings c. 1882
The ruins of Fort Cummings' Stagecoach Station, 2023 - Photo by Alexander Alonzo
The ruins of Fort Cummings' adobe walls, 2023 - Photo by Alexander Alonzo
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