Fort Whipple

Established in 1863 as an important US Army post and ordered to protect the area of newly discovered gold in central Arizona, Fort Whipple became a key post during the Indian Wars. Photographs and text present the transition of this National Register of Historic Places landmark, including its people, events, and buildings.

It was named in honor of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple, military officer and topographical engineer. Protecting Prescott, the first capital of the Arizona Territory, the post served many roles, from a military headquarters to a large tuberculosis treatment facility to today’s medical center complex serving veterans.

Coauthors Worcester Bong and Mick Woodcock have been involved in extensive research regarding the history of Fort Whipple. Bong was a facility manager and planner, working at the Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 10 years. Woodcock served as chief curator and historian at the Sharlot Hall Museum for over 40 years. Both authors have written numerous articles on various aspects of the fort’s history for publication in the local newspaper. This volume contains images from the Sharlot Hall Museum Research Center and other sources that illustrate the fort’s unique history.