Archive photos of Ft. Lowell Park in Tucson
Fort Lowell in Tucson was a key post in the Apache Wars. It provided supplies and soldiers for outlying posts. From 1873 to de-commissioning in 1891, the fort averaged nearly 250 officers and enlisted men in several calvary and infantry regiments.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
The remains of the Fort Lowell Park hospital were partially covered from above on June 17, 1953 but the walls were exposed allowing people to scratch their names on the adobe walls. (Editor note: the markings along the skyline are from a damaged negative.)
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
Visitors crowd around the reproduction of the new commanding officer's quarters during a dedication of the Ft Lowell Historical Museum on Veteran's Day, November 11, 1963. Located on Cottonwood Lane (note the trees in the background) the territorial military outpost was once located in the downtown area but it was later moved. The once territorial Army post was made
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
A 1963 photo of Gilbert Ray, left, of the Pima County Parks and Recreation Dept. and J. R. Sims, president of the Woodmen of the World, at a plaque for Ft. Lowell, the calvary fort at Craycroft and Ft. Lowell roads in Tucson.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
The officer's quarters at Fort Lowell Park went through renovation in March 1963 order to recreate authentic appearance of the structure during its heyday. Several cottowood trees were also planted to recreate Cottonwood Lane. Behind the quarters stands the former bakery.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
People started filtering in on opening day for the brand-new Fort Lowell at North Craycroft Road on Saturday, August 12, 1967. The $123,000 facility was L-shaped which allowed for a diving area that measured 12-feet deep, 50-feet wide and 75 feet long. Off to the side was a wading pool, lounge and snack bar. Admission was 20-cents for children under 16 and 40-cents for adults.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
The remains of the Ft. Lowell hospital. Photo looking northwest and taken in March 1937.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
Boy Scouts at work on a barrack, at Ft. Lowell ca. 1947.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
Colors Ceremony at pre-camporee training course at Ft. Lowell, October 1950
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
Trading Post and Health Lodge at Ft. Lowell. Ca. 1950.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
Making Trails at Camp Fort Lowell in April, 1949 (Buddy Street) on the bulldozer.
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
The remains of the Fort Lowell Park hospital were partially covered from above on June 17, 1953 but the walls were exposed allowing people to scratch their names on the adobe walls. (Editor note: the markings along the skyline are from a damaged negative.)
Fort Lowell and Fort Lowell Park
In this 1963 photo, Jerry Ogle, left, of the Pima County Recreation Department shows members of the advisory committee for Restoration of Ft. Lowell how to make adobes. From left, standing, Winston Reynolds, Mrs. Charles Crary, Carlos Ronstadt and Pima County Supervisor Dennis Weaver. The adobe military post at Craycroft and Ft. Lowell roads is being restored. Picnic areas, playgrounds and historical exhibits will be provided.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Find history on display as well as playgrounds at Fort Lowell Park.