It is not often in this day and age that we can see history actually reborn, but that is exactly what is occurring in the small town of Naco, Arizona. Camp Naco, lovingly referred to as Camp Newell by many, is a site which has housed the Buffalo Soldiers as well as the Civilian Conservation Corps, and played a significant role during the revolution occurring on the U.S./Mexico border between 1911 and 1923. Heavily degraded by time, environmental, and societal stressors, this former Army cantonment continues to find new life at the hands of dedicated local, city, and community activists seeking to preserve a piece of history.

Over the years, the Camp has seen its share of sorrows, including an arson attack in 2006 which brought to the forefront asbestos issues with the historic site.  In spite of the challenges, the Camp lives on.  In 2007, the Camp was declared one of Arizona's Most Endangered Historic Places by the Arizona Preservation Foundation, and is currently pending approval for placement on the National Historic Register. Additionally, a non-profit organization, namely the Naco Heritage Alliance, has been formed in order to promote preservation/restoration activities on the Site as well as to aid in obtaining grants and funding.   Most recently, the Camp was granted a Brownfields Grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to continue asbestos remediation efforts on site, and a local press conference is currently scheduled for April 27, 2010.  Progress is slow, but continued.  Eventually,  it is hoped that this site will be fully restored, utilized to educate the general public, and provide a potential revenue stream for this small, unincorporated community, hoping to see history reborn....

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