Park: Fort Verde State Historic Park
Guest: Sheila Stubler, Park Manager
Summary: Hear about events during the park and town's annual Fort Verde Days. Plus information about the historic, original military buildings at the park.
Intro Music
Host:
Welcome to Arizona State Parks Update. Today we're talking about the annual special event Fort Verde Days held at Fort Verde State Historic Park on October 11 and 12. Spanning from 1865 through 1890 Camp Lincoln, Camp Verde and finally what become Fort Verde were home to doctors, families, enlisted men, and scouts. Fort Verde was also the primary base for General George Crooks U.S. Army scouts and soldiers. Joining us today to talk about this event and the park is Park Manager Sheila Stubler. Welcome to the program Shiela.
Park Manager Shiela Stubler:
Thank you Tye.
Host:
Fort Verde Days will be held October 11 and 12, tell us about some the things people can do at this event.
Stubler:
Well Fort Verde Days is in celebration of 137 years that Fort Verde has been in existence around here. And what we have in the celebration is different weapon demonstrations, living history presentations, we have a flag ceremony, and most importantly we have different demonstrations and speakers available to the public to get a feel for what life was like out here at the fort 137 years ago.
Host:
And there’ll also be a historical fashion show is that right?
Stubler:
Yes sir, and a vintage baseball game as well.
Host:
And this event is held in conjunction with the town of Camp Verde who’s holding their 52nd annual Fort Verde Days; they'll be a Bull Bash, Colonel's Daughter & Antique show, a parade and other activities. How does Fort Verde fit into the history of this community?
Stubler:
Well actually the reason that we are a state park today is based on the efforts of folks in the community who saw if they didn’t do something to protect and preserve the heritage and culture the fort here wouldn’t be in existence today. They stepped forward and saw it was disappearing before their very eyes so they had the foresight to petition the state to go ahead and make it into a state park to preserve and protect the fort.
Host:
Let's talk briefly about the buildings at the park, Today visitors can experience three historic house museums, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, the Bachelors' Quarters and Doctor’s Quarters all on Officer's row, all furnished in the 1880s period. Tell us more.
Stubler:
Well not only will you’ll be able to go through this historic homes but when you walk through the administrative office headquarters you can hear the floor start creaking. And along with the creaking of the floor you feel the presence of 137 years of history. As you go through you look at the different displays and the exhibits that give you more of a feel of what life what like for the military, for the commissioned officers’ wives, for the doctors and for all of those who lived and serve out here at the fort. It’s our hope that people who come through the fort get a glimpse into the past and have more of a passion, more of an understanding of what life was like for folks who lived out here before us.
Host:
Thanks for joining us today Shiela.
Stubler:
Thank you Tye. And we’d also like to extend a hearty invitation to everybody out there to join us on Saturday, October 11 for our free day at Fort Verde State Historic Park. Come and join us for all the living history demonstrations and presentations for free.
Host:
Fort Verde State Historic Park is located in the town of Camp Verde which is about 55 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona. Take Interstate 17 to reach the park, coming from the south take exit 285, and coming from the north take exit 287 and follow signs to reach the park. The annual Fort Verde Days event will take place October 11 and 12. Come celebrate this annual event on an original military site while enjoying Camp Verde's southwestern style. More information about the park, including a downloadable park map and interactive driving directions, can be found on our website AZStateParks.com. For Arizona State Parks, I’m Tye R Farrell.
Music
Commentator:
Arizona State Parks: Managing and serving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people both in our parks and through our partnerships. Visit us on the web as azstateparks.com.
Music Ends
[Skip] Home Find a Park Arizona Map
PDF Documents Require Adobe Reader
Read External Link Disclaimer