Bowie, AZ

Embracing multiple perspectives at a controversial battle site.

Fort Bowie National Historic site is located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeast Arizona, part of the traditional homeland of the Chiricahua Apache people. The site contains a year-round flowing spring, it was the location of a US army fort, and in 1886, it was the site of the surrender of Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apache.

EDX created a ten-year interpretive plan using an innovative process to involve descendants of the Chiricahua Apache in a consultation. The group spent a day walking the area and discussing its stories, significance, and meanings. The result was an insightful migration of the interpretive themes to reflect the diverse perspectives that make up the history of this powerful place.