The History of Camp Naco

Discover the History


Camp Naco is a cornerstone of Buffalo Soldier history in Arizona and represents the proud tradition of Black military regiments after the Civil War. The Camp’s 100+ year-old adobe buildings and parade grounds sit just 600 yards north of the US-Mexico border in the community of Naco Arizona and reside on the ancestral lands of the Chiricahua Apache.

In the aftermath of World War I and the Mexican Revolution, Camp Naco was one of 35 permanent camps established as part of the US War Department’s Mexican Border Defense Project – a plan to build a 1,200 mile-long barrier of soldiers and military camps along the United States-Mexico border from Brownsville Texas to Nogales Arizona to safeguard American citizens and economic interests. During this period, Camp Naco housed African American troops from the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Regiments, and later the Twenty-fifth Infantry Regiment, collectively known as Buffalo Soldiers, who served their country with patriotism and resilience during a period of racial segregation. Today, Camp Naco remains the only surviving post from this historic border protection effort and endures as a testament to the military, economic, political, and cultural values that define the heritage of this unique place.  
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By Mark Costa October 24, 2025
Veterans Day, Tuesday November 11, 2pm Rothery Education Center – 3305 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista Food provided by Tee Pee Fry Bread of Huachuca City Free to attend, registration required and space is limited Register here: https://givebutter.com/WarriorTradition Join the Naco Heritage Alliance for a Veterans Day movie night. This one-hour, national documentary tells the astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. Come learn more about Native Americans and their stories related to the military and the United States. Food will also be provided at the event by Tee Pee Fry Bread, offering plenty of options, from sweet to savory. "The Warrior Tradition describes the complex Native American situation in our society. Why would Indian men and women put their lives on the line for the very government that took their homelands? The film relates the stories of Native American warriors from their own points of view – stories of service and pain, of courage and fear." - PBS.org For additional information or to register by phone, contact Program Associate Cesilia Garcia at (520) 910–1169
By Mark Costa September 29, 2025
Our fellow Beverely Elliot with the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) is hosting 'A Taste of African American History' with three food trucks in Tucson on October 25 and Bisbee on November 8 . The African American Museum of Southern Arizona with a $20,000 fellowship from the Naco Heritage Alliance, is proud to present this event designed to share with you, the community, the cultural context of food in African American celebrations. Let them take you on a delicious adventure as three separate food trucks will prepare grab and go soul food delicacies that are historical and traditional to the culture including authentic Buffalo Soldier fare and foods central to Juneteenth celebrations, Freedom Day fare of New Year’s Day delights! Click the links below to register for this free event. Space is limited, so sign up today! October 25 Tucson event Willie Blake Community Park, 3525 South Naco Vista, Tucson, AZ 85713 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../a-taste-of-african... November 8 Bisbee event Historic Warren Ballpark, 99 Arizona St., Bisbee AZ 85603 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../a-taste-of-african...
By Mark Costa September 9, 2025
Saturday, September 20, 4pm 2118 West Newell St., Naco, AZ Join us for an exciting walkthrough at Camp Naco. Explore the historic grounds, learn about its significance, and immerse yourself in a unique experience. The Camp Naco project is at a pivotal point, and we are inviting the public to view our progress and see our plans for the future. This in-person, free event is a great opportunity to connect with history by learning more about the Buffalo Soldiers and the surrounding area's history. Don't miss out on this chance to step back in time and discover the charm of Camp Naco. The walkthrough will be led by Executive Director Jeremy Fricke and Construction Manager Mike Normand . NOTE: This event is limited to only 40 people. This will also be the last chance to see some of the buildings before rehabilitation starts late September, so don't miss out on this opportunity!
By Mark Costa July 18, 2025
Come and celebrate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers! The 2025 Tribute event, hosted by the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers (SWABS) honors the legacy of the Buffalo Soldier Stamp with the theme:
 “The Buffalo Soldier Beyond the Call.” This memorable event features keynote speaker Colonel Richard “Dick” Toliver, USAF (Retired), a distinguished Air Force Veteran and author, as well as a presentation by National Buffalo Soldier Historian Dr. John P. Langellier, and the presentation of the SWABS Buffalo Soldier Legacy Award. With live entertainment by Freddie J with jazz, old-school R&B, and great food. Camp Naco is proud to sponsor this free event for the community. Thanks as well to our co-sponsors, the Sierra Vista African American Community Coalition and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona.
By Mark Costa June 2, 2025
Rothery Education Center 3305 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ Saturday, June 21st, 10am-5pm $5 suggested donation. In collaboration with the Sierra Vista African American Community Coalition, the Naco Heritage Alliance is proud to sponsor this fun filled family event! Featuring music by Reggae artists, R&B hits, African drumming, DJ’s, poetry, featured speakers & more. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth! Schedule of performers (subject to change): 10:00am Opening: Queen Mambo 10:15 Welcome: Queen A/ Bernadette/Ashiya 10:30 Najashi: Reggae music 10:40 Sharon Simonton 11:00 Baba Shibambo: African Drumming 12:00 Buffalo Soldier Presentation -Demetria Warren 12:30 Boots on the ground line dance - Skate crew 12:45 Juneteenth Mexico Celebration film in Conference room 12:45 Halima Human Design Presentation 1:00 Poetry reading 1:15 Gato Afro: Latino music 2:00 Sisters on Point - Tribute to Angie Stone 3:00 Reggae Headliner: Ranking Joe
By Mark Costa May 8, 2025
Clues of the Past: Tales from a Camp Naco Archaeology Internship Thursday, May 29, 4:30pm 915 South Tovreaville Road Join two of our former interns, Madeline Colley and Hailey Smith (Cochise College), as they share a presentation of their experiences at the historic Camp Naco site. This is also a chance for the public to view a display of many of the artifacts they studied and documented over the course of the past 9 months. Free event, refreshments will be provided. Photo: Taryn Smith
By Mark Costa April 7, 2025
The Original Cactus League Baseball on the Border April 26, 10am-Noon Local historian Mike Anderson will be leading a tour of the original Camp Naco baseball field, located at the corner of W. Newell Street and S. Willson Road, and sharing the history of the original Cactus League. The original Cactus League was a loose consortium of teams during the first decade and a half of the 20th Century from Bisbee, Douglas, Clifton, Morenci, Cananea, Fort Huachuca, Tucson and sometimes Naco. Afterwards, the event continues at Naco Elementary where Mike will share a presentation on historic baseball. This event is free to attend, join us!
By Mark Costa March 17, 2025
Contractors Open House Date: Tuesday, March 25 from 11am – 2pm Location: Bisbee Council Chambers - 915 S. Tovreaville Rd. In collaboration with Naco Heritage Alliance and Durazo Construction Find out more about upcoming opportunities at this informal event. We are seeking licensed, bonded and insured contractors in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, painting, concrete, windows and doors, carpentry, drywall, and low voltage cabling. Free to attend, refreshments provided.
By Mark Costa February 11, 2025
Date: Saturday, March 22, 6 PM Event Address: Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum Please note: our Fireplace Chat at the Museum has reached capacity, but there is another great opportunity to meet the author and purchase a signed copy of his newest book. Dr. Langellier will be available from noon to 4 at Bisbee Books and Music, located in the Mercantile on Main. Be sure to stop by! Join us for a Question & Answer session and book signing with Buffalo Soldier author and military historian John Langellier, Ph.D. In 1881, the first Buffalo Soldiers arrived in Arizona pursuing elusive Apaches. Over the following decades, African Americans from the Tenth U.S. Cavalry and Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Infantry added to the laurels won by the Ninth U.S. Cavalrymen. For more than six decades, Black soldiers served with honor, from campaigns against determined Native Americans to facing dangers along the turbulent border as the Mexican Revolution raged. During the dark days of World War II, they prepared for combat against foes both abroad and at home. All the while, they faced an ever-present, persistent enemy: racism. Author John P. Langellier brings to life the rich history of Buffalo Soldiers in the Copper State. Registration is required for this event, as there are a limited number of spaces available. Register HERE
By Mark Costa February 4, 2025
Register for the lecture HERE
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