Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 19, 1960):
Commanding the eastern entrance of Apache Pass, Fort Bowie (1862) was a focal point in Army operations against the Chiricahua Apache in the 1860s and '70s. A much-traveled mountain crossing of strategic value due to the presence of spring water, the pass served Apache peoples, as well as Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers in the Southwest.

Condition:
The ruins walls are maintained in good condition. Overall the NHL within the park boundaries is in good condition.

Development and encroachment from surrounding community is still an issue. The Buddhist community on the east side of the NHL continues to expand, negatively impacting the view shed. The community now consists of three houses, one class room building, one laundry/bath house, a campground, 7-8 yurts (i.e., domed, circular felt tents indigenous to Central Asia) and miscellaneous armadas, Buddhist statues, and parking lots, all within view of the visitor center. The neighboring ranch to the north of Fort Bowie has been sold to developers who plan to sell 100, 40-acre parcels.The Kinder-Morgan gas line that extends through the NW corner of the park will be replaced. This action will rip up a corridor within the park that is 0.25 miles long and 100 feet wide. The damaged area will be rehabilitated; however, there are no known plans to do likewise to the corridor that extends beyond the park boundary.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
There is nothing that can be done to mitigate these conditions.