Apache Cochise: A Study of the Tribe’s Notorious Leader

Early Life and Tribal Leadership

Cochise was born around 1805 in the Chiricahua Mountains of what is now southeastern Arizona. He was a member of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, a subgroup of the larger Apache nation. As a young man, Cochise was known for his exceptional horsemanship and combat skills, which earned him a respected position within his tribe.

The Apache Wars and Cochise’s Rise to Prominence

The Apache Wars, a series of conflicts between the Apache tribes and the Mexican and American governments, began in the 1840s. Cochise’s involvement in these conflicts started around 1860, when he was forced to flee his home after being accused of stealing a horse. He soon became a key figure in the Apache resistance, leading raids and skirmishes against Mexican and American forces.

The Death of Mangas Coloradas and Cochise’s Leadership

In 1863, Cochise’s mentor and leader, Mangas Coloradas, was killed by Mexican soldiers. This event had a profound impact on Cochise, who was deeply affected by the loss of his respected leader. He became determined to avenge Mangas Coloradas’ death and to protect his people from further violence.

Cochise’s Relationship with Kit Carson and the US Government

Cochise’s interactions with Kit Carson, a legendary frontiersman and scout, were complex and multifaceted. While Carson was known for his skill as a tracker and warrior, he was also a slave owner and had a history of violence against Native Americans. Cochise’s relationship with Carson was marked by periods of cooperation and conflict, reflecting the broader tensions between the Apache tribes and the US government.

The Treaty of 1872 and Cochise’s Later Life

In 1872, Cochise signed a treaty with the US government, which granted the Apache tribe a significant amount of land in exchange for their agreement to cease hostilities. However, the treaty was short-lived, and Cochise continued to lead his people in resistance against the US government. He died in 1874, at the age of 69, and was buried in a secret location to prevent his grave from being desecrated by those who sought to exploit his legacy.

Legacy and Impact

Cochise’s legacy as a leader and warrior has endured for generations. He is remembered as a champion of his people and a fierce defender of their land and way of life. His story serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Apache tribes, who continued to resist the encroachment of European-American settlers despite facing overwhelming odds. Today, Cochise remains an important figure in American history and a symbol of the complex and often fraught relationships between Native American tribes and the US government.