Camp Rucker

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Camp Rucker was first known as Camp Supply, the name was subsequently changed on October 1, 1878 (some reports list the date as April 29, 1879) in honor of Lt. John Anthony "Tony" Rucker. On July 11, 1878 Lt. Rucker attempted to save the life of a fellow soldier, Lt. Austin Henely, when the two tried to cross a stream that was nearby the camp. Both men lost their lives that day.

It was initially built to protect settlers in the area. The camp also housed mounted cavalry units.

During the 1880's, Camp Rucker became Fort Rucker. It was one of the more important military stations in the campaign against the Apache indians led by Geronimo and Cochise, A small community grew up around the fort, as the military method of obtaining necessary supplies was through civilian contractors.

The remnants of Camp Rucker are located on U.S. Forest land at the present time. Officers' quarters, a bunkhouse, sheltered latrine, a commissary warehouse, and a bakery have survived the years. The site is adjacent to the south side of the Chiricahua Wilderness in the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest; walk-in public access is permitted. Rucker Canyon and Rucker Lake are sites of popular Forest Service campgrounds, and in the summer a fire fighting crew is stationed at a nearby administrative site.

This is not to be confused with Fort Rucker in Alabama http://www-rucker.army.mil/.