George Nicholas Bascom

Who was George Nicholas Bascom?

George Nicholas Bascom U. S. Army officer, in Arizona and in the American Civil War.

George N. Bascom was born in Owingsville in Bath County, Kentucky. His ancestors were of French Huguenot and French Basque. Bascom was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and graduated 26th in a class of 27 in 1858. Following his graduation he was first stationed at Camp Floyd in Utah and then in Arizona at Fort Buchanan as a 2nd Lieutenant of the U.S. 7th Infantry Regiment. In January 1861 he was involved in what became known as the Bascom Affair at Apache Pass, that is considered to be the key event in triggering the 1861-1872 Apache War.

After the American Civil War began, Bascom, was promoted to captain, of the U.S. 16th Infantry Regiment. However before he could return to join his new regiment, the three companies of the 7th Infantry that had moved to Fort Craig were involved in the Battle of Val Verde in New Mexico Territory. Bascom was killed in action by Confederate forces on February 21, 1862, during the battle. Subsequently Fort Bascom, New Mexico, was named in his honor.

Captain Bascom was originally buried at nearby Fort Craig, in the post cemetery.