Fort Woods, Original Building

When we think of the early days in the Southwest, we often conjure images of gunfighters, Indians on the warpath, and the cavalry coming to the rescue of besieged wagon trains. At Pioneer Living History Museum, we honor the memory of the brave men who defended the lives of our early pioneers and pay special tribute to those who defended our country and its citizens. On the easternmost corner of the village stands a replica of a typical western fort. Upon our approach, we find that the conflict between North and South has reached this far western outpost.

It is early in the morning as we pass a parapet, mute reminder of the attempts made by early soldiers to create a defense against enemies set on their annihilation. This parapet is constructed of split logs, mounded earthworks and bales of straw, a pretty fragile wall to protect a man from arrows, bullets or even cannon fire. Who were they fighting against? We know they were fighting for survival.

On this day as we stand by the parapet, we can look north across the parade ground and see the Union forces camped outside the old guardhouse. The guardhouse stands empty now. All able bodied men are needed in the upcoming fight. The Union flag proudly waves over the field as soldiers in blue clean and prepare their weapons, thinking of loved ones far away. One man sits alone, back to the wall of the guardhouse, writing a letter, wishing he could be home to express his feelings in person.

At the east end of the field, we notice what appear to be horizontal logs with sharpened poles poking through them at right angles. These are Chevaux de Frise. The sharpened poles provide a strong deterrent to mounted cavalrymen determined to charge and capture artillery ensconced behind them. Even foot soldiers would think twice and try to find a way around such lethal defenses.

Beyond the cannons and Chevaux stands the Headquarters of the 1st Texas Infantry, Company L. They call themselves the “Lonestar Rifles,” and they are joined today by reinforcements who have pitched their tents in front of and around the Headquarters. It is time to cross the small footbridge that takes us through smoking campfires and the tents of the enlisted men to the building that houses not only the Company Headquarters, but also the barracks of the regulars.

A sign over the right hand door lets us know that we are about to enter the barracks of the enlisted men who serve the Confederate Army in the 1st Texas Infantry. Inside it is a man’s world. Bunks line the long walls, north and south. Rifles, pistols, and sabers are leaning against walls or lying across bunks, cleaned and ready for the upcoming battle. Men move in and out of the area dressed in grey with stripes on their shoulders indicating rank in this highly organized unit.

On the left or west wall as we enter, we notice a line of pegs along the wall. Coats, hats, canteens, and other apparel hang from these pegs. Around the room, candles and kerosene lamps provide lighting and cast giant shadows as the men move around attending to their final preparations.

This is Fort Woods. In the mid 1970’s, the first two buildings were erected and placed to reflect the arrangement of structures at the original Fort McDowell, located just northeast of present day Scottsdale. It was eventually agreed that a unique name needed to be given to the reconstructed fort and “Fort Woods” was selected to honor Sergeant Brent Woods, company B, 9th Cavalry. Sergeant Woods was a Buffalo Soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Gavilan Canyon in New Mexico Territory on August 19, 1881.

Years of neglect are now in the process of being reversed. The facelift by the 1st Texas Infantry has begun with the barracks. They will next begin work on the Non-Commissioned Officers quarters in the center section of the Headquarters building before moving to the west end, the Commander’s quarters.

Today, re-enactors come from all over the southwest to participate in battles and skirmishes. Civil War, Spanish-American War and even WWII battles are reenacted on the grounds of Fort Woods. We are no longer at war with our Native American friends, but we often welcome them to assail our senses with arts, crafts, food and entertainment. The battles staged for visitors focus on the many disagreements Americans have had with ourselves and nations outside our borders.