Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States Arizona Tucson Fort Lowell

Fort Lowell

Visitors to this public park will also find the ruins of an old western fort.

Tucson, Arizona

Added By
Stuart Black
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Hohokam pithouse outline.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Reconstructed officer quarters/kitchen.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell hospital ruins.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Band barrack ruins.   cyccommute / Atlas Obscura User
Fort Lowell   Matthew H Ward / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Post Tucson was established near the old Tucson Presidio by the California Column after the Battle of Picacho Peak in 1862. It was abandoned in 1864, but reestablished in 1865 and renamed Camp Lowell in 1866. By 1873, the camp had been moved seven miles east to the confluence of Tanque Verde and Pantano creeks for sanitary reasons. The name of the camp was changed to Fort Lowell in 1879.

The fort played a pivotal role during the Apache Wars. It was primarily used as a supply and support depot for outlying military posts. 

At its peak, the fort contained around 30 adobe buildings surrounding a large parade ground. The buildings included a commissary, trading store, guardhouse, barracks, and other buildings. One of the lanes created for the fort included several cottonwood trees and is known as Cottonwood Lane to this day.

One of the more intact buildings that still exist on the site is the former hospital. One of the most prominent members of the hospital's staff was Walter Reed.

The fort was decommissioned in 1891 and was largely dismantled by people in the surrounding area. In 1945, with the assistance of Carlos Ronstadt (an uncle to Linda Ronstadt), local Boy Scout troops obtained 40 acres of the fort grounds to prevent developers from destroying what remained. The fort was eventually donated to Pima County when the scouts could no longer afford maintenance costs. 

The location of the fort and the availability of a constant water source made the area attractive even during the formational years of Tucson. The entire region around the fort was a large Hohokam village that existed in the area from year 900 to about 1200.

One pit house and several middens have been excavated in the area. The outlines of the pit house and informational signs around the site provide insight into life during this period. 

Related Tags

Parks Forts War History Architecture Military

Know Before You Go

The park is easy to access from North Craycroft Road in the northeast part of Tucson. It's a public park with ample parking and normal park amenities. Water and public restrooms are available and open.

Community Contributors

Added By

cyccommute

Edited By

Matthew H Ward

  • Matthew H Ward

Published

April 1, 2020

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Fort Lowell
2998 N Craycroft Rd
Tucson, Arizona, 85712
United States
32.259881, -110.873118
Get Directions

Nearby Places

San Pedro Chapel

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

The Shelter Cocktail Lounge

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Tucson

Tucson

Arizona

Places 40
Stories 4

Nearby Places

San Pedro Chapel

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

The Shelter Cocktail Lounge

Tucson, Arizona

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Tucson

Tucson

Arizona

Places 40
Stories 4

Related Places

  • Fujairah Fort

    Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

    Fujairah Fort

    The United Arab Emirates's biggest and oldest fort pays homage to a lost era.

  • The Porte de Paris.

    Lille, France

    Porte de Paris

    This triumphal arch celebrating the Sun King's conquest of Lille is a masterpiece of military architecture.

  • The Prussian National Monument for the Liberation Wars in Berlin.

    Berlin, Germany

    Prussian National Monument for the Liberation Wars

    A towering monument to war, located on a beautifully peaceful hill.

  • Mid-air view of Bourtange

    Bourtange, Netherlands

    Fort Bourtange

    This beautifully designed star-shaped fort was the premier defense system of the late 1500s.

  • Prospect, Maine

    Fort Knox State Historic Site

    This 19th century granite fortification is one of the most well preserved forts in New England.

  • Olongapo, Philippines

    Subic Spanish Gate

    This impressive gate is the only remaining remnant of a Spanish naval station.

  • Fort De Soto Park is the largest in Pinellas County, spanning over 1,000 acres with five connected islands.

    Tierra Verde, Florida

    Fort De Soto Park

    Fascinating military history, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, and endless outdoor adventures draw people to this sprawling park.

  • Fernandina Beach, Florida

    Fort Clinch

    Used as a military post in three different engagements, this fort has remained incomplete and unfired upon for nearly 200 years.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.