It also experienced the bloody struggle of the Apache and Yavapai against the Spanish presidios of Tucson and Tubac in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
In 1846 it saw the arrival of the United States Army during the Mexican War and suffered the convulsions of the Apache Wars that lasted for forty years (1846-1886).
Here was where the famed Apache warriors Cochise, Victorio, Nana, Juh, Eskiminzin, Geronimo, and many others struggled bitterly to maintain their independence.
Here was where the U.S. cavalry officers General George Stoneman, General George Crook, General O. O. Howard, General Nelson Miles, and Captain John G. Bourke challenged the Apaches.
Here was where Al Sieber, Chief of Scouts, lived and died. Here was where Mickey Free, the Apache manhunter, fearlessly plied his trade. Here was where the Apache Kid was tragically driven into a life of crime.
Here too was where the little eight-year-old Yavapai boy Hoo-moo-thy-ah lost his entire family at the vicious, bloody massacre of Skull Cave.
It was also here that Billy the Kid killed his first man. Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday prospected in our mountains. Pearl Hart, a woman who was the last stagecoach bandit, brandished her pistols here at Cane Creek.
And today? This area is where much of our nation's mineral wealth comes from. For over one hundred years our copper mines have built America's strength. Thanks much to our Apache besh, "lightning metal," our computers are able to communicate.
It is also from here, our mountains, that the desert regions of Arizona are nourished by life-sustaining water. Our Roosevelt Lake, furthermore, is one of Arizona's most popular recreational areas.
In our towns (Globe, Miami, Kearny, Hayden-Winkelman, Superior, Payson, Young, San Carlos, Whiteriver, and Cibecue) we continue to be a living witness of the real Old West.
Welcome!
Now, if that hasn't grabbed your attention . . . I recommend that you try reading some eye-opening books. I have prepared a bibliography that will be well worth your while. Some of the more easily accessible authors to a world-wide audience are: Goodwin, Opler, Thrapp, and Worcester. Be well-advised that the bibliography, however, contains some materials that are quite rare.
With this little introduction to our area I hope your curiosity is piqued. I believe you can easily tell that I have a real passion for history here. It is almost unavoidable; it just seems to ooze out of the very stones. Anyway, if you would like to leave me your impressions of my little diatribe, you can inform me by Email at zybt@geocities.com
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Those desirous of translations to/from Apache need to see the page now (also noted above). Any emails I send regarding translations will reference the "modified Apache orthography" I'm using for the internet (because correct Apache orthography is quite different than 'normal' email fonts.) Please be aware that I can do only VERY SIMPLE translations indeed, e.g., individual words. I am NOT an expert, but I am learning.
Southwestern Archaeology--An excellent site for all things archaeological, anthropological, and historical in the Southwest--a MUST visit! Check out especially the Arizona section.http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/
An important, and excellent site for all things historical in Arizona is the Arizona Historical Society site at:http://www.discoverseaz.com
This is a good site for the history of southeast Arizona, including much of the Chiricahua Apache story.
NOTE: The town of Globe is located approximately at the center of the following map. The San Carlos Apache Reservation is just east of Globe. Roosevelt Lake is northwest from Globe.
Copyright © 1996, Paul R. Machula
First Posted -- 27 November 1996
Last Revised -- 8 August 2006
This URL is: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/8352/arizona.htm
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