Apache
Tribe
by Todd Underwood
The word "apache" comes from the
Yuma word for "fighting-men" and from the Zuni
word meaning "enemy." The Apache tribe consists
of six subtribes: 
the
Western Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan
and Kiowa. Each subtribe is from a different geographial
region. It is possible, due to their nomadic nature, that
several names were used to identify the same tribe.
The Apaches are commonly known for their incredible
endurance and warfare skills. First arriving in the Southwest
sometime between A.D.1000 and 1400, the Apaches carved out
a home on the south side of the Rocky mountains. As early
as 1540, the Apaches confronted Coronado in eastern New
Mexico and were called "vaqueros." By the 1600's,
they were also living in Arizona. Between 1656 and 1675,
the Apaches continuously raided Spanish Settlers and Pueblo
Indians in what is now known as New Mexico. In 1680, their
population was approximately 5000. In 1692, the Spaniards
reconquered New Mexico and the Apaches were starting to
make enemies. In 1723 the Comanche defeated the
Cochise - Apache Chief
Apache in a nine-day battle forced the Apache
to move farther south. The most famous battles with the
Apache happened between 1862 and 1873 when the Apache fought
a bloody war against the confederate and U.S. armies. In
1873 a peace treaty was signed and the U.S. government wanted
to move the Apaches to reservations. Some Apaches went peacefully
but others did not.
Small factions broke out with leaders like
Geronimo
(goyathlay - picture left), Naiche and Victorio. In 1886,
Geronimo and his followers were finally taken into captivity
and most of the Apache renegades were moved to Fort Sill,
Oklahoma where they were considered prisoners of war until
1913. Today there are over 40,000 Apaches living in reservations.
