By Worcester P. Bong

On December 23, 1863, when Fort Whipple was temporarily established at Del Rio Springs, north of Chino Valley, a monthly newspaper called the Arizona Miner began publication at this U.S. Army post. The first issue, published on March 9, 1864, informed people about the new Territory of Arizona. Topics included proclamations, government activities and the establishment of a territorial capital. Later in May 1864, Fort Whipple was moved south to a location along Granite Creek and east of the soon-to-be-named town and territorial capital of Prescott. The last issue published at the fort was on May 25, 1864. Thereafter, the Arizona Miner was published in Prescott. But newspaper publishing at the post would return.