Fort McDowell was an important military post that protected central Arizona settlements from the Tonto Apaches during the Indian wars from 1865 to 1886. Its function as a military post ended in 1890, and by executive order on September 15, 1909, it became a reservation that was home to the Mohave-Apache and Yavapai-Apaches. It was also the home and burial place of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, a Mohave Apache Indian. Scouting parties from Fort McDowell regularly patrolled the Tonto Basin area beyond Four Peaks.