When did the apache wars start and end
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Apache Wars Summary
The Apache Wars were a series of conflicts that took place in the American Southwest, primarily during the latter half of the 19th Century. The Apache fought with the Spanish, Mexicans, and, finally, the United States. Prominent Apache leaders, such as Cochise and Geronimo, led the fierce resistance against American expansion. Tensions escalated due to the passage of a Scalp Bounty Law (1835) in Sonora, Mexico, ongoing Apache raids, and westward expansion of the United States. Despite various treaties, hostilities persisted due to United States policies, which created mistrust with the Apache. Following Geronimo’s surrender in 1886, the Apache Wars virtually ended, but some sporadic fighting continued into the early 1900s, making it America’s longest war.
Apache Wars Facts
- The Apache Wars were fought by various Apache tribes against New Spain, Mexico, and the United States.
- They started in the 17th Century and continued into the early 20th Century.
- The most prominent Apache leaders were Mangas Coloradas, Cochise, and Geronimo.
- Prominent U.S. Army
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A dash for timber by Frederic Remington.
The Apache Wars were a series of armed conflicts between the United States Army and various Apache nations fought in the southwest primarily between 1849 and 1886. However, minor hostilities continued until as late as the turn of the century. Though not always well known, this series of battles is the longest war in U.S. history.
Battles:
Apache War, NM – 1854
Battle of Cieneguilla, NM – 1854
Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon, NM – 1854
Battle of the Diablo Mountains, TX – 1854
Battle of Pima Butte, AZ – 1857
Battle of Cookes Spring, NM – 1885
Battle of Cookes Canyon, NM – 1861
Battle of Pinos Altos, NM – 1861
Battle of Placito, NM – 1861
Apache Pass/Fort Bowie, AZ – 1862
Big Dry Wash , AZ – 1862
First Battle of Dragoon Springs, AZ – 1862
Battle of Mount Gray, NM – 1864
Battle of Fort Buchanan, AZ – 1865
Battle of Salt River Canyon (Skeleton Cave), AZ – 1872
Apache War Campaign – 1873 and 1885-1886
Battle of Sunset Pass, AZ
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The Bascom Affair
Chief Cochise was leader of the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache, local to the Chiricahua Mountains, in the mid-1800s. He was a natural born leader. His father-in-law, Chief Mangas Coloradas, who was chief of the Mimbreno band, helped him foster these skills. Through this connection, Cochise would gain more influence over the Chiricahua Apache.
In 1861, the Arivaipa band of Apache (not a part of the Chiricahua) raided the farm of settler John Ward and were seen heading toward the Chiricahua Mountains, known to be Cochise’s territory. The raiders had taken livestock and kidnapped John Ward’s stepson Felix Ward. The young and eager Lieutenant George Bascom was ordered to bring the raiders to justice.
Bascom invited Cochise to a meeting near the Butterfield Stage Station on Apache Pass. Cochise agreed to meet him and brought along a few of his family members. In the privacy of his tent, Bascom accused Cochise of the raid. Cochise told him truthfully he had no knowledge of the ordeal, but would help track down those who did. Bascom refused Cochise’s offer aCopyright ©yambump.pages.dev 2025