The Apache Indians are a diverse group of indigenous peoples, with origins in the Athabaskan language family. They have a complex history, including conflicts with Mexico and the US, and forced removal from their lands. Today, they primarily live in the Southwestern US and major American cities.
There are many key events in the history of Apache India. These events had profound effects on the fate of Native Americans in North America and also in the United States and Mexico. Although the Apache are a loose assemblage of diverse indigenous peoples, the various Indian nations that make up the group remain one of the largest on the continent. Today, Apaches live primarily in the Southwestern United States, but many also reside in many major American cities, including Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and San Diego.
According to archaeological evidence, the Apaches derive from the Athabaskan language family. A nomadic collection of Athabaskans is believed to have taken up residence in the area of what is now the southwestern United States around AD 1000. Excavations show that the group most likely adopted the technology of nearby Native Americans. Spanish records from the 16th century identified the culture as possibly having migrated from the Great Plains due to their use of dogs from the region. This is supported by evidence collected in Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas.
In 1821 Mexico claimed independence from Spain. With this key event in the history of the Apache Indians, a long conflict began between the two. Bounties were placed on the leaders’ heads, culminating in the death of Mimbreno Apache chief Juan Jose Compas in 1837. This prompted a series of raids on Mexican towns and villages. Soon the US declared war on Mexico and the Apaches joined US troops in conquering the land.
With the US success over Mexico in 1846, the Apache signed a treaty with the nation. Despite this arrangement, white settlers began entering the area in large numbers, leading to an event known as the Apache Wars. While many leaders organized resistance against settlers and the US government, none were as well known as Geronimo of the Chiricahua Apache.
After the forced removal of many Native Americans from their traditional lands on the Rio Verde Indian Reservation in 1875, further conflict ensued. The US Army, led by Indian Commissioner LE Dudley, forced the population to walk 180 miles (290 km) to an internment facility in San Carlos. This captivity lasted about 25 years. According to the history of the Apache Indians, about 200 were eventually returned to their lands.
The Apache Wars ended on September 4, 1886. Geronimo and his band of Apaches were captured by US troops in Arizona. They were sent to Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Following this event, many of the children were adopted by white Americans, changing the dynamics of Apache Indian history for generations.
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