Fort Huachuca, Arizona-- A representative from Fort Huachuca's all-volunteer memorial cavalry unit showcased the original unit's role in the Geronimo Campaign before an audience of more than 70 people during a Feb. 2 presentation of the Amazing Arizona series at the Sierra Vista Public Library.
Christopher Zimmerman, B Troop, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment (Memorial) program coordinator, described the roles of three famous military officers during his presentation of "The Geronimo Campaign, 1886: The Role of the Cavalry in the Final Surrender" and shared a piece of Fort Huachuca's history during the hour-long program. Zimmerman was invited to speak in order to acquaint its members with the cavalry's accomplishments and traditions.
Amazing Arizona, hosted by Sierra Vista's Henry Hauser Museum and the Sierra Vista Public Library, is a series of educational presentations seeking to educate and entertain the community regarding unique aspects of Arizona. Funding is provided by the two entities along with the Sierra Vista Historical Society.
During the program, Zimmerman described how tensions between local Apache Indians and white settlers escalated after the kidnapping of a young boy from a ranch in Sonoita. Its aftermath led to the capture of Cochise, who subsequently escaped. The small group of warriors who were being held hostage with him were killed by U.S. Soldiers. One of those murdered was Cochise's brother. In revenge, the Apache captured and killed some white settlers.
The killings triggered a series of events in the United States and Mexico that officially ended on Sept. 3, 1886, when Geronimo, Chiricahua Apache chief, surrendered to Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles in Skeleton Canyon. Zimmerman described the role the cavalry played in the campaign to capture Geronimo and end warfare with the Apache Nation.
Additionally, he shared little-known facts about the cavalry. Zimmerman explained that cavalry Soldiers wore their pistols on the right side of their bodies, pistol butt forward, for ease of drawing their weapon while mounted. He described how cavalrymen needed to be light-weight so horses could carry them for long distances.
The B Troop program coordinator said the men were given blue wool uniforms because there was a surplus of the material after the Civil War. However, the uniforms were impractical for the cavalrymen because the trouser seats wore out quickly due to long hours spent in the saddle. When they wore out, the Soldiers sewed flour sacks on the seats of their pants so they could continue to wear them.
The heavy uniforms were not practical in the hot desert. During the Geronimo Campaign, the men stripped down to minimal clothing so they could pursue the Indians more comfortably during the day. Additionally, after about five days, the rough terrain took its toll on the horses, and the animals had to be returned to Fort Huachuca. The men continued their pursuit on mules.
Intimately familiar with the terrain, food sources and living conditions, the Apache could travel 60 to 80 miles per day, living off the land as they rode. Due to the cumbersome nature of their mule trains, the Soldiers could only journey 20 to 25 miles daily as their animals were burdened by 400-pound loads of food and supplies.
Zimmerman explained how the volunteer members of B Troop keep Fort Huachuca's cavalry heritage alive at 35 to 50 official and non-official events annually. B Troop is a U.S. Army mounted ceremonial unit with the mission of promoting the heritage and traditions of the U.S. Army in the Southwest during the period of the Indian Wars. Members go through a three-month riding school where they learn to ride and perform cavalry charges. They also learn about the attire, weaponry and history of the unit.
B Troop is officially established by regulation and funded by the Army, has a zero-manpower authorization and relies on volunteers to fill its ranks. Members are drawn from Active Duty, Reserve, and retired military personnel, DOD civilians employed at Fort Huachuca, and military dependents 18 and older. Members are uniformed, equipped and armed in accordance with U.S. Cavalry standards of the 1880s.
A Ladies Auxiliary supports B Troop, primarily by participating in parades riding sidesaddle and wearing period authentic clothing, and may assist with horse care and training. An artillery section known as K Battery also supports B Troop. These members do not ride, but operate the Troop's 1840 mountain howitzer at ceremonies and public events.
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To learn more about the organization and the history of the cavalry.
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