Camp Rucker

Built in 1878, this territorial-era military camp faced early tragedy before being later repurposed.

On July 11, 1878, both Henley & Rucker, along with their scouts, were camped along the river below the Camp. As they began back to base, they were caught in a rainstorm. Noticing that the water was rising and their supplies across the river were at risk of being swept away, both officers set out to save the supplies. Lieutenant Henely’s horse stumbled, and Henely was swept away by the flash flood. In a desperate and heroic attempt to save his comrade, Lieutenant Rucker entered the raging water, but was ultimately swept away and drowned as well. 

Rucker’s body was recovered 3 hours later, a mile and a half downstream. Both Rucker and Henely had attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, although only Henely had actually graduated. On October 1, 1878, the name of Camp Supply was changed to Camp J.A. Rucker, to honor his valiant efforts. Both commanders were buried nearby at the Fort Bowie cemetery, but moved several times in the years since. Rucker was later reinterred in Arlington National Cemetery. 

Despite early tragedy, the camp continued to function. Initial structures on site consisted of buildings with log sides and canvas tent roofs. While simple and relatively isolated, Camp Rucker boasted an impromptu bakery, a commissary, guardhouse, and living quarters. According to some, Geronimo surrendered to U.S. forces here at Camp Rucker in late 1879, but quickly escaped. By May of 1880, a permanent building program began, aiming to replace the initial structures with more stable and comfortable accommodations. A new commissary was built, and a building thought to be officers quarters were constructed by July. However, due to increasing peace and the quelling of the Apache War, Camp Rucker was abandoned sometime in late 1880. 

A large barn and corral remain closer to the center. This building likely dates to the early 1900s when the property became a ranch, although it could be from earlier. Several pens and wood fencing remain. The officers quarters, built sometime near the end of Camp Rucker’s military time, contains a large common area. Adobe bricks line the outside. To the north end is where most of the old military structures remain. 

A monument to John Rucker, a water structure, the original bakery building, and the ruins of the commissary building all remain in place from the late 1800s. Although the bakery building has had some modifications, including the addition of windows, the original outline of the old stove remains inside on the wall today. A few other markers remain scattered around the property, and a thorough walkaround is definitely worth the time. The extensive ruins and unique history offer a lot to the inquisitive visitor. From Tucson, follow I-10 east to US-191. Continue south for 29 miles to the turnoff for Rucker Canyon. Turn left and continue 17 miles on the dirt road to the national forest boundary. Continue east along the road, staying right at a fork with signs for the Rucker Group Campground. A parking area will be on the left after ¾ of a mile, and a short hike is required to get to Camp Rucker.