Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate, on the banks of the San Pedro River, was briefly a part of Spain's eighteenth century defensive line across what is today southern Arizona. General Hugh O'Connor, an Irish mercenary in the employ of King Carlos III, ordered that the fortification be established in 1776. Madrid was concerned about the intentions of other European powers and saw this fortified line as an essential part of the defense of New Spain. Although never attacked by Europeans, Apache Indians made it one of Spain's most dangerous assignments. A large number of soldiers and two of the presidio's four commanders were killed by Apaches. The presidio was evacuated after only five years as being untenable. Today very little is left of the fortification, but the hike out to the isolated post vividly empresses one with the harsh living conditions experienced by the Spanish military. (Three miles round trip. Directions to this remote site can be had at the Fairbank Visitor Center.)
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