The tradition of the Colonel's Daughter began in 1960. The young lady chosen for this title is selected at a competition held on the parade ground at Fort Verde State Park the last Sunday in September.

The competition is judged on 50% horsemanship and 50% poise and personality. The horsemanship is judged on the girls ability sit her horse well and give a well balanced, graceful effortless appearance and have her horse under control at all times. No stallions are allowed.

Three our of town judges oversee the contest. There is no charge to the public and all are encouraged to attend the competition and "root" for your favorite young lady. All other towns have their rodeo queen, but Camp Verde has its Colonel's Daughter, which ties in with Fort Verde.

The title of Colonel's Daughter comes to us from a novel written in 1882 by retired Captain Charles E. King. King arrived at Camp Verde in May 1874 to join the 5th Calvary. He was wounded in November of that same year in a skirmish with hostiles at Sunset Pass. He never fully recovered from the damage to his right arm, although he continued to serve in the army until 1897, when he was given a medical discharge.

As with many novels of that period, "The Colonel's Daughter" had a sub-title - "Winning His Spurs." From this secondary title, Camp Verde's Colonel Daughters each year receives a special gift of spurs from the Camp Verde Cavalry.

The Colonel's Daughter is presented each year during Fort Verde Day in October.