Cochise

Cochise County was named for the renowned Apache chief in 1881, when it was established during the 11th Territorial Assembly.  Archaeological evidence finds civilization along the San Pedro River dating to 9000-6000 B.C., when members of the Clovis civilization inhabited the area.

Cochise County also is an important agricultural area.  With 6,215 square miles, Cochise is as big as Rhode Island and Connecticut combined.  Once known as the Cattle Capital of the nation, Willcox is the home of the largest weekly cattle auction in Arizona.  Specialty crops and livestock, including exotic animals, play an important role in the local economy.  Douglas, once dependent upon mining and agriculture, has developed a manufacturing base because of its location on the U.S.-Mexico, border.  All Of Cochise County has been designated as an Enterprise Zone, except the northeast section of the county.

Cochise is one of only three counties in Arizona without an Indian reservation.  Individual and corporate ownership account for 40 percent of the land; the state of Arizona, 34.6 percent; the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, 22.2 percent; and other public lands comprise the remaining 3.2 percent.