Entertainment Magazine: Arizona: Sonoita-Elgin Sonoita-Elgin Entertainment MagazinePrime vineyards and wineries in Sonoita- SE ArizonaSoutheastern Arizona is well known for its highly prized collection of vineyards and wineries spread throughout the Sonoita-Elgin valley. Sonoita, Arizona is a located about an hours drive south of Tucson, AZ., at the intersection of US Highway 82 and 83. There are eight major vineyards and wineries in the Sonoita/Elgin area in SE Arizona. Three times a year, Sonoita Vineyards Winery Festivals are among the most popular annual events.
About 2,300 people live in and around the area, according to the Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce. Most homes are large ranch houses on five or more acres each. The Sonoita, Arizona area has rolling grasslands at a 5,000 foot elevation, surrounded by the Huachuca, Whetstone, Santa Rita and Mustang Mountains.The Sonoita Appellation is 60 miles southeast of Tucson and west of Sierra Vista, AZ. From Tucson, take I-10 east and turn right on HWY 83. Since the Sonoita-Elgin, AZ. area has a lot of open land, there are vast opportunities for real estate development. Sonoita: former military post during the Civil WarThe present-day vine filled valley of the Sonoita area was developed long after Fort Buchanan (1856-61) became the first military post within the bounds of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. The site, located over a mile west of Sonoita, protected settlers and attacks from Chiricahua Apache Indians. In November 1856, Maj. Enoch Steen completed the formal establishment of what was known as Camp Moore. Lt. I. N. Moore was in charge of a company of infantry. The name was changed on November 17, 1856 to Fort Buchanan to honor James Buchanan, then President of the United States. (Source: Arizona Place Names, by Will C. Barnes, 1960).
Camp Crittenden was established on a hill above the site of the abandoned Fort Buchanan. There is often confusion between the two locations.
The patent land where the sites of Fort Buchanan and Camp Crittendenis were located are now privately owned. They now contain homsites and are used for grazing. The only remains are scattered rocks. mounds of earth, and fragmented adobe ruins (ibid). Fort Crittenden reference from Weekly Arizona Miner, June 8, 1872, 2: 1, June 29, 1879, 2: 1; 75, p. 130. Maps: C-3; E-20; GL-3. Photo: The hills surrounding the Southeast Arizona communities of Sonoita, Elgin and Patagonia. This photo is from Hog Canyon, west of Sonita and site for the former Camp Crittenden before it was moved east to Fort Buchanan. © 2011 BZB. Arizona Entertainment MagazineEntertainment Magazine© 2013 Sonoita Elgin Entertainment Magazine. EMOL.org. All rights reserved |