Coconino National Forest officials say a vandalized grave marker at the historic Battle of Big Dry Wash site near Blue Ridge was recently replaced with a new headstone. The marker, erected in 1976 by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, was vandalized and damaged beyond repair over a year ago. The Battle of Big Dry Wash historical site protects a significant event in the conflict between the United States military and the indigenous Apache and documents an engagement in 1882 where both sides experienced loss of life. It is considered the last official battle of the Indian Wars era.
