History of Sierra Vista


While Sierra Vista was only incorporated in 1956, our history can be traced back much further.

This area is particularly attractive to military history buffs, due to the presence of Fort Huachuca, which now headquarters the United States Army Intelligence Center and the Network Enterprise Technology Command.

Established in 1877, Fort Huachuca (pronounced wa-choo-ka) played a significant role during the Indian Wars of the 1870s and 1880s. It was also the home of the famous 10th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers” and their valuable service to the nation is detailed at the excellent Fort Huachuca Historical Museum, where the fascinating past of the U.S. Army in the Southwest unfolds.

Many of the military installation’s original buildings still stand today, including the impressive officers’ homes lining Brown Parade Field and the nearby soldiers’ barracks, which are now used as offices.

The Sierra Vista Historical Society works diligently to preserve the past, and offers a self-guided tour of sites marked with informative plaques.

The Henry H. Hauser Museum, run by the City of Sierra Vista at the Ethel Berger Center, is a great place to learn more about the pioneers of this once small town and they rotate exhibitions to keep the storytelling fresh.

Sierra Vista is also at the heart of the old Wild West, located just 16 miles from world-famous Tombstone.

And less than 30 minutes away is the historic mining town of Bisbee, clinging magnificently to copper-filled hills and offering an eclectic range of stores, restaurants and visitor attractions.