On July 15-16, 1862, an advance guard of 96 California Volunteers, marching toward the San Simon River to establish a supply depot for the California Column, followed the Butterfield Road through Apache Pass. As they approached the abandoned stage station, Cochise and his ally Mangas Coloradas, leading a combined force of 140 to 160 warriors, ambushed the rear of the column. The Californians countermarched from the station and drove the Apaches into the hills, but found them again in new positions around the spring. Attacking once more, the Californians finally reached the water after dispersing the Apaches from rock fortifications commanding both flanks of Apache Spring. The fighting led directly to the establishment of Fort Bowie.