A Pictorial Souvenir of Tombstone, Arizona

A Sketch of Allen Street, Tombstone in 1940s

In this pictorial souvenir of Tombstone, Blythe endeavors to present to you the buildings of Tombstone as they looked in 1940s through pencil sketches, although the majority of the buildings were built between 1879 and 1882. One of the prime highlights of the town is the old Bird Cage Theatre, which offered in its heyday, “stupendous, colossal attractions” by night, gambling and drinking by day, has been turned into a museum and is filled with mementos of the town’s early history. You have missed a prime sight if you fail to see Tombstone, heart of the old Southwest where history was written with six-shooters.

Centennial History of Wise County, Texas, 1853-1953

Centennial history of Wise County, 1853-1953

The “Centennial History of Wise County 1853-1953” by Mary Cates Moore, published by The Story Book Press in Dallas, Texas, commemorates the hundred-year history of Wise County, Texas. This volume serves as a detailed record of the county’s development from its early settlement through various significant historical events, up to the mid-20th century.

Charles Montezuma

The story of Charles Montezuma illustrates the intellectual potential and moral integrity present among North American Indians. Rescued from an Apache camp and adopted by a Chicago photographer, Montezuma thrived as a scholar and gentleman, graduating high school with distinction. He is pursuing a medical career, showcasing a rejection of savage stereotypes imposed by white society. The post emphasizes that Native Americans have produced notable figures in history, challenging the perception of their inferiority with examples of their capability and resilience.

The Cherokee Revolt – Indian Wars

The Cherokee Revolt in 1872 began after a violent confrontation between U.S. Deputy Marshals and a group of armed individuals in the Cherokee Nation, sparked by tensions surrounding a suspected murderer, Proctor. On April 13, a surprise attack by armed individuals resulted in the deaths of seven marshals and three assailants, with many others wounded. The swift government response helped contain the situation and prevent a broader uprising among the Cherokees against U.S. authority, highlighting tensions exacerbated by lawlessness and outside influences.

Massacre at Howard’s Well and Other Depredations – Indian Wars

In April 1872, a supply train near Howard’s Well, headed for Fort Stockton, was brutally attacked by a coalition of Indians, half-breeds, and Mexicans, resulting in the deaths or injuries of seventeen individuals. Colonel Merritt reported the massacre, which included horrifying acts of violence such as burning victims and mutilation. Following the attack, cavalry units pursued the attackers, resulting in a skirmish in which Lieutenant Vincent was mortally wounded. The incident exemplified the severe and brutal nature of conflicts on the frontier during the Indian Wars.

General History of the Western Indian Tribes 1851-1870 – Indian Wars

At the Sand Creek Massacre

From 1851, vast territories east of the Rockies were designated as Indian Territory, where numerous tribes roamed. The discovery of gold in California sparked emigration, leading to treaties that confined tribes like the Cheyennes and Arapahoes to specific areas while promising annual payments. Tensions escalated, culminating in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, followed by ongoing conflicts. By 1868, efforts to negotiate peace resulted in treaties relocating tribes to reservations, as Indian populations dwindled and government policies shifted to assert control and promote their civilization.

Indian Hostilities in California and New Mexico – Indian Wars

general kearney

The condition of Indian tribes in California, particularly the Shoshonee, Blackfeet, and Crows, is dire, marked by hostility towards settlers, particularly in the Sierra Nevada region. Following the gold discovery, tensions erupted into violence as tribes attacked miners. This led to a declaration of war from settlers, resulting in numerous casualties among the Indians. In New Mexico, the Apache and Navajo tribes proved formidable, engaging in violent confrontations with U.S. troops, while the peaceful Pueblo and other tribes often fell victim to Apache raids.

Indian Slaves in the Rocky Mountains

The system of Indian slavery in the Rocky Mountains persisted until government intervention in 1865, notably ending white slaveholding in Colorado. Indian Agent Head mandated the release of all captives, citing the barbarity of such practices. However, slavery and peonage continued in New Mexico and Arizona. The treatment of captives was often horrific, with women facing sexual exploitation and sacrificial rituals among indigenous tribes. Ongoing conflicts stemmed from these atrocities, fostering intense animosity between captives and their captors, complicating relations as both sides grappled with the war’s brutal legacy.

Apache Resist the Advance of the Whites

The Apache tribes have uniquely resisted the encroachment of white settlers, using their arid landscape to their advantage in prolonged warfare. Known for their bravery and cunning, they have committed and suffered atrocities, cementing their fearsome reputation across a vast territory. Despite their historic conflict with Mexicans and Americans, the Apaches remain one of the least understood tribes, often characterized as cruel. Their complex social structure, divided into distinct groups, further complicates perceptions of their culture and resistance against external powers.

Rev. Frank Wright, a Choctaw Indian

Rev. Frank Wright, a Choctaw Indian, addressed the critical land issue facing his people, emphasizing their desire for land ownership despite being the first tribe to agree to allotments. He argued for the necessity of self-reliance among Indians rather than dependency on government rations, which he deemed disgraceful. Drawing from his experiences with Apache prisoners, Wright advocated for compulsory work to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility, suggesting that interaction with farmers could facilitate their learning and independence.

Oklahoma Land Patents – Apache Tribe

A list of Oklahoma land patents issued to Apache Tribe members, including patentee names, dates, document numbers, and accession numbers. The record spans early 1900s transactions and provides a detailed reference for tracing allotment and land ownership history among individuals and families such as Berry, Blackbear, Starr, and others.

Treaty of October 21, 1867 – Memorandum

On October 21, 1867, a treaty was established at Medicine Lodge Creek between the United States and the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes. The Apache expressed a desire for confederation with the Kiowa and Comanche, which was granted. The treaty stipulates that the Apache would share equally in benefits, resources, and annuities with the other tribes while agreeing to abide by the original treaty’s terms. In exchange, the U.S. increased annual appropriations for these tribes, acknowledging their united status.

Treaty of October 17, 1865

On October 14, 1865, a treaty was established between the United States and the Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes at Little Arkansas River, Kansas. This agreement recognized the Apache Indians’ desire to dissolve their confederation with the Kiowa and Comanche tribes, allowing them to join the Cheyenne and Arapahoe on equal terms. Following this, the tribes were united under one confederated identity, and the obligations of the original treaty would be upheld for all three tribes. The treaty was formally signed on October 17, 1865.

Treaty of July 1, 1852

On July 1, 1852, a treaty was signed in Santa Fe between U.S. officials and Apache leaders, affirming Apache allegiance to U.S. laws and governance. The treaty called for an end to hostilities, mutual respect in dealings, and the Apache’s commitment to refrain from raids into Mexico. It established protocols for addressing aggression and ensured U.S. protection for the Apache. The agreement also stipulated that the U.S. would provide support and aid for the Apache’s prosperity, reflecting a complex collaboration between the two parties.

Treaty of July 27, 1853

On July 27, 1853, a treaty was signed at Fort Atkinson between the United States and the Camanche, Kiowa, and Apache tribes. The treaty established a framework for peace and mutual cooperation, mandating the tribes to maintain friendly relations both among themselves and with the United States. It stipulated annual payments of $18,000 for ten years to support the tribes, along with provisions for roads and military posts. It also committed the tribes to refrain from hostilities, particularly against Mexico, and to compensate for any wrongdoings.

Apache Indians

The term “Apache” refers to a group of Native American tribes primarily located in southern New Mexico, Arizona, western Texas, and southeastern Colorado. The name originates from Zuni, initially applied to the Navaho and later to other tribes. Apache subdivisions include the San Carlos, Chiricahua, and Mescalero, with distinct bands based on language. Historically, the Apaches were recognized for their aggressive resistance against Spanish and American expansion, leading to their notorious reputation. Their estimated population, which has varied over time, reflects their complex history and adaptiveness.

Apache Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

The post outlines various Apache sub-groups, including bands, clans, and gens, some of which have limited historical information or have ceased to exist. Notable mentions include the Akonye band from the 1881 San Carlos Agency, Apaches del Perrillo associated with early 16th-century events in New Mexico, Apaches del Quartelejo in Kansas during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Mansos band known for their less aggressive nature. It also references the Apatsiltlizhihi, a division of the Jicarilla Apache, and the Bissarhar division noted in 1873-75.