Ranch History
In its earliest days, Rancho Bosque was part of a larger portion of the Tanque Verde drainage fed by the 10,000 foot high peaks Santa Catalina Mountain range to the North and the lower 6,000 foot high Rincon mountain range to the East.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, this open desert and riparian environment was still a favorite hunting ground for the Apache tribes because it was so rich in wildlife and plants. A large number of the infamous skirmishes of the Apache Wars took place in this valley.
Fort Lowell was established as a U.S. Cavalry fort to protect Tucson and the adjacent region. Many of the battles between the famous Apache leader Geronimo took place in these valleys and mountains. It is a rugged and humbling landscape. At one time, nearly one fourth of the standing army of the United States was deployed into the countryside around Tucson to try to subdue a small band of 200-300 Apaches where nearly half of its strength was made up of women and children.
Despite such overwhelming odds, the Apache warriors were never defeated on the field of battle. Along the Northern parts of the acreage of Rancho Bosque , we can still occasionally find an arrowhead or small shard of pottery when we plow up the pastures. We always return them back to the earth where they belong. |
