The Battle of Fort Buchanan, Arizona

Santa Rita Mountains.

The battle that gave the Santa Rita mountain peaks their names.

On February 17, 1865 the Battle of Fort Buchanan takes place. This action directly results in the naming of the highest peaks of the Santa Rita mountain range, Mount Wrightson (9,456 feet) and Mount Hopkins (8,553 feet).

Mount Wrightson and Mount Hopkins were both named for mining officials who were casualties of the battle of Fort Buchanan.

Map of the location of the battle.

Founder of the Sonora Exploration & Mining Company William Wrightson was out surveying in the Santa Rita Mountains alongside a mining engineer Gilbert Hopkins on February 17, 1865.

That day, Hopkins and Wrightson were ambushed and killed by Apaches in a thicket around 500 yards from Fort Buchanan. Their names would later grace the tallest peaks of the Santa Ritas.

Fort Buchanan FAQ

James Buchanan

Why the Name?

The Fort was named after the newly inaugurated president, James Buchanan.

When was it established?

The fort was founded a few years after the Gadsden Purchase in June 1857.

Former sign posted near the site of Fort Buchanan.

Who founded the fort?

Four companies out of the seven total companies of U.S. First Dragoons were stationed in the New Mexico territory under Major Enoch Steen.

Where was it located?

At the head of Sonoita Creek, three miles southwest of present-day Sonoita, Arizona.

Why was the site selected?

There was ample access to water and a grazing area for the dragoon herd.

The ruins of Fort Buchanan in 1914.