Cochise County, Arizona

Cochise County, Arizona
County	Cochise County
State	Arizona
Founded	February 1, 1881
Seat	Bisbee
Largest city	Sierra Vista
Area total sq mi	6,219
Area land sq mi	6,166
Area water sq mi	53
Population as of	2020
Population total	125,448
Population density sq mi	20

Cochise County, Arizona is a county located in the southeastern part of the state, bordering New Mexico to the east and Mexico to the south. The county is named after the famous Apache leader Cochise, who led the Chiricahua Apache tribe during the Apache Wars. The county seat is Bisbee, a former mining town, while the largest city is Sierra Vista, a major commercial center. The county is also home to the Fort Huachuca military base, which is a major employer in the region, and the University of Arizona's Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy.

Geography

Cochise County is located in the southeastern part of Arizona, bordering Graham County to the north, Greenlee County to the northeast, New Mexico to the east, and Mexico to the south. The county is part of the Sonoran Desert and features a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and deserts. The Dragoon Mountains and the Whetstone Mountains are two notable mountain ranges in the county, while the San Pedro River and the San Bernardino River are major waterways. The county is also home to the Coronado National Forest and the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, which provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including the Mexican gray wolf, the Gila monster, and the Cactus wren. Nearby cities include Tombstone, Benson, and Willcox.

History

The history of Cochise County dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation found in the form of Clovis culture artifacts and Mogollon culture ruins. The county was later inhabited by the Apache and Tohono O'odham tribes, who were forcibly removed from their lands by the United States Army during the Apache Wars. The county was established on February 1, 1881, and was named after the famous Apache leader Cochise, who led the Chiricahua Apache tribe during the Apache Wars. The county played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution, with many notable figures, including Pancho Villa and Emilio Kosterlitzky, operating in the region. The county is also home to the Tombstone historic district, which features many preserved buildings from the late 19th century, including the O.K. Corral and the Birdcage Theatre. Other notable historical sites include the Fort Bowie National Historic Site and the San Xavier del Bac Mission.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Cochise County was 125,448, with a population density of 20 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of Anglo-American, Hispanic, and Native American communities. The largest city in the county is Sierra Vista, which has a population of over 40,000 people, while the county seat, Bisbee, has a population of around 6,000 people. Other notable communities in the county include Tombstone, Benson, and Willcox. The county is also home to the Tohono O'odham Nation and the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, which are both federally recognized tribes.

Economy

The economy of Cochise County is diverse, with major industries including mining, agriculture, and tourism. The county is rich in mineral resources, including copper, gold, and silver, and has a long history of mining dating back to the late 19th century. The county is also a major producer of cotton, wheat, and alfalfa, and is home to many large ranches and farms. Tourism is also a significant contributor to the county's economy, with many visitors drawn to the county's historic sites, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the Kartchner Caverns State Park and the Patagonia Lake State Park. The county is also home to the Fort Huachuca military base, which is a major employer in the region, and the University of Arizona's Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy, which conducts research on environmental issues affecting the region.

Government

Cochise County is governed by a board of supervisors, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, laws, and policies. The county is also home to several state and federal agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the United States Border Patrol, and the United States Forest Service. The county has a long history of political activism, with many notable figures, including Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, operating in the region during the Chicano Movement. The county is also home to the Tombstone historic district, which is a popular tourist destination and features many preserved buildings from the late 19th century.

Education

Cochise County is served by several school districts, including the Sierra Vista Unified School District, the Bisbee Unified School District, and the Tombstone Unified School District. The county is also home to Cochise College, a community college that offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degrees and certificate programs. The college has campuses in Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Douglas, and offers programs in fields such as nursing, business, and technology. The county is also served by the University of Arizona's Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy, which conducts research on environmental issues affecting the region, and the Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus, which offers programs in fields such as engineering and computer science. Nearby institutions include the New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at El Paso.

Category:Arizona counties