Cochise, a name synonymous with fierce independence and unwavering resistance, stands as a towering figure in the history of the American Southwest. Born around 1805, his life was a testament to the struggle of the Chiricahua Apache people against the encroaching forces of Spain, Mexico, and ultimately, the United States. His story is one of courage, resilience, and the tragic consequences of broken trust.
The land that cradled Cochise’s birth was a vast and unforgiving expanse encompassing parts of present-day Sonora, Mexico, as well as New Mexico and Arizona in the United States. He was a member of the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache, a people deeply connected to the land and fiercely protective of their ancestral territories. From his earliest days, he would have been immersed in the traditions and survival skills necessary to thrive in this challenging environment. He was a part of the land as much as the land was a part of him.
Physically, Cochise was an imposing figure. Standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 175 pounds, he possessed a strength that mirrored the oak tree, a quality reflected in his name, "Cheis," which, in his language, signified "having the quality or strength of oak." This wasn’t merely physical strength; it was a strength of character, a steadfastness that would define his leadership and inspire his people.
The early years of Cochise’s life were marked by conflict. First Spain, and then Mexico, attempted to exert control over the lands inhabited by the Chokonen-Chiricahua. The Apache, unwilling to relinquish their freedom and way of life, met these incursions with fierce resistance. Warfare became a constant reality, a cycle of raids and counter-raids that tested the endurance of both sides. For a time, the Apache held their own, their intimate knowledge of the terrain and their warrior skills proving a formidable advantage.
However, the balance of power began to shift. Mexican forces, increasingly bolstered by American and other Native American mercenaries, adopted a strategy of targeting Apache civilians. This ruthless tactic struck a devastating blow, and Cochise’s own family was not spared. His father fell victim to this brutal campaign, a loss that profoundly impacted the young Cochise. The pain of this loss hardened his resolve, fueling a burning desire for vengeance against both Mexicans and Americans. This tragedy became a turning point, solidifying his commitment to protecting his people and their way of life at any cost.
The event that would forever alter the course of Cochise’s life and ignite years of relentless warfare was the infamous "Bascom Affair." In early 1861, an Apache raiding party, identified later as Coyotero Apaches, drove off cattle and kidnapped a rancher’s twelve-year-old son named Felix Ward, who later became known as Mickey Free.
Lieutenant George Bascom, an inexperienced and rash young officer, mistakenly accused Cochise and his band of the incident. Without proper investigation or evidence, Bascom invited Cochise to a meeting at the Army encampment, ostensibly to discuss the stolen cattle and the kidnapped boy. Cochise, unsuspecting of the trap that awaited him, accepted the invitation, believing he could clear up the misunderstanding.
Upon arriving at the encampment, Cochise was confronted with the accusation. He vehemently denied any involvement in the raid and offered to investigate the matter with other Apache groups in the area. However, Bascom, convinced of Cochise’s guilt, attempted to arrest him and his accompanying warriors.
In a moment of swift action and daring escape, Cochise drew a knife and slashed his way out of the tent, evading capture. It is believed that he may have been shot in the process. However, Bascom managed to capture several of Cochise’s relatives, who were caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
Cochise, determined to secure the release of his captured family members, retaliated by taking hostages of his own, intending to use them as bargaining chips in negotiations. A tense standoff ensued, with both sides holding prisoners.
However, the negotiations quickly deteriorated, primarily due to Bascom’s stubbornness and inexperience. The arrival of additional U.S. troops further complicated the situation, leading Cochise to believe that the situation was spiraling out of his control.
Tragically, the negotiations collapsed entirely, and both sides resorted to violence. In a horrific act, Bascom ordered the execution of Cochise’s brother and two of his nephews, among other Apache hostages. Cochise, in turn, retaliated by killing his remaining hostages.
This act of betrayal and violence ignited a fury within Cochise that would fuel over a decade of relentless warfare. The Bascom Affair, remembered by the Chiricahua descendants as "Cut the Tent," became a symbol of the broken trust and the escalating conflict between the Apache and the encroaching American forces. The repercussions of this single event reverberated throughout southern Arizona, transforming it into a battleground and leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed in its wake.
The death toll from this period of warfare is a matter of debate, with estimates ranging from a few hundred to as many as 5,000 settlers and travelers. While some historians believe the higher figures to be exaggerated, there is no doubt that the conflict took a heavy toll on both sides. Cochise, driven by vengeance and a desire to protect his people, led a series of devastating raids against white settlements and travelers, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in his wake.
In the aftermath of the Bascom Affair, Cochise joined forces with his father-in-law, Mangas Coloradas (Red Sleeves, Kan-da-zis Tlishishen), a powerful Chihenne-Chiricahua chief. Together, they launched a series of retaliatory skirmishes and raids against white settlements and ranches. The Battle of Dragoon Springs was one of these engagements, a testament to the Apache’s unwavering resistance.
The Apaches often held the upper hand during these raids, primarily because the United States was preoccupied with its own internal conflict, the Civil War. This distraction diverted resources and manpower away from the Southwest, leaving the American forces thinly stretched and ill-equipped to deal with the Apache threat. Additionally, the Apache possessed a distinct advantage in their intimate knowledge of the unforgiving terrain, allowing them to navigate the rugged mountains and deserts with ease.
At Apache Pass in 1862, Cochise and Mangas Coloradas, with around 500 warriors, held their ground against a New Mexico-bound force of California volunteers under General James Henry Carleton. The Apache warriors fought fiercely, utilizing the natural cover of the rocks and canyons to their advantage. However, the arrival of caisson-mounted howitzer artillery fire proved to be a turning point. The devastating artillery barrage forced the Apache to retreat, marking a significant defeat.
Following various skirmishes, Cochise and his men were gradually driven into the Dragoon Mountains, a rugged and remote range in southeastern Arizona. The Dragoon Mountains became Cochise’s stronghold, providing cover and a base from which to continue attacks against white settlements. This strategic location allowed him to evade capture for many years, becoming a symbol of resistance against the relentless pursuit of the U.S. Army. The Cochise Stronghold was difficult to access by outsiders and allowed Cochise and his men to thrive in the rugged terrain.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, Cochise managed to evade capture and continued his raids against white settlements and travelers until 1872. Finally, a treaty was negotiated by General Oliver O. Howard, with the help of Tom Jeffords, a white man who had earned Cochise’s trust and respect.
The treaty granted Cochise and his people a reservation in their ancestral lands, a victory that allowed them to return to their traditional way of life. Following the treaty, Cochise retired to his new reservation, with his friend Jeffords as agent, where he died of natural causes (probably of abdominal cancer) in 1874.
Cochise was buried in the rocks above one of his favorite camps in Arizona’s Dragoon Mountains, now called Cochise Stronghold. The exact location of his resting place was known only to his people and Tom Jeffords, who kept the secret until their own deaths.
Today, Cochise’s descendants are said to reside at the Mescalero Apache Reservation, near Ruidoso, New Mexico, carrying on the legacy of their courageous ancestor. His name continues to resonate as a symbol of Apache resistance and a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of the American West. The story of Cochise, the Apache Chief, remains an important part of American history. Cochise was a strong leader. Many remember Cochise today.