Apache Chief Cochise’s Secret Mountain Fortress Where He Made Peace with the US Army in 1872

The Chiricahua Apache Leader

Cochise led the Chiricahui group of the Chiricahua Apache. Born around 1805, his name meant “having the quality of oak.”

He stood 6 feet tall with a strong build and long black hair. Under his command were 1,000 people including 250 warriors.

For years, Cochise kept peace with Americans crossing Apache land. Everything changed in 1861 when Lieutenant Bascom wrongly accused him of kidnapping.

When Cochise escaped capture, Bascom took his relatives hostage. This betrayal started eleven years of warfare.

Dragoon Mountains, Arizona

The Dragoon Mountains run 25 miles through southeastern Arizona. These peaks formed 65-150 million years ago when the earth’s crust pushed upward.

Wind and rain carved the rocks into a natural fortress. The mountains got their name from the U.S. Cavalry Dragoons who fought here after the 1856 Gadsden Purchase.

The Strategic Stronghold

The Dragoon Mountains gave Cochise eastern and western strongholds connected by mountain passes. Apache lookouts on high points could spot soldiers days before they arrived.

When attacked, Cochise scattered warriors among the rocks while moving women, children and supplies across the mountain. The terrain made Army tactics useless. Narrow passages let small groups stop larger forces.

With many hiding spots and escape routes, the Apache could attack and disappear at will.

Tom Jeffords Forms a Crucial Friendship

In 1867, Thomas Jeffords changed the course of the Apache Wars. As mail superintendent, he had lost fourteen riders to Apache attacks.

He made a bold choice to ride alone into Cochise’s mountain hideout. Jeffords handed over his weapons when he arrived, showing trust. This brave move impressed Cochise.

During several days of talks, they built a friendship based on respect. Cochise promised to stop attacking mail carriers and kept his word.

The Apache named Jeffords “Red Beard,” and their friendship later opened a path to peace.

General Howard’s Peace Mission

In 1871, President Grant sent General Oliver Howard to end the Apache conflicts. Howard had led the Freedmen’s Bureau after the Civil War and was known as the “Christian General” for his humanitarian approach.

After making peace with other Apache bands, Howard wanted to reach Cochise. He learned about Jeffords’ connection to Cochise and convinced him to arrange a meeting.

In September 1872, Howard left Fort Tularosa with just his aide Lieutenant Sladen and Captain Sumner to find the elusive Apache leader.

The Journey to the Stronghold

In October 1872, Jeffords led Howard toward the Dragoon Mountains without soldiers – a move many thought suicidal. The small group included just Howard, his aide, Jeffords, and two Apache scouts.

They crossed dangerous territory where many whites had been killed. For Howard, this journey required great courage – if Cochise rejected peace, no help would come.

Jeffords insisted this approach would work since Cochise would never meet an armed force. When they reached the foothills, Cochise agreed to meet them.

Council Rocks Meeting Place

The peace talks happened at Council Rocks, a natural amphitheater on the western side of the Dragoons. Huge boulders form chambers and passages among shallow caves.

Ancient footholds carved in the rocks show people gathered here since 1200 AD. From this spot, they could see across the valley while staying protected.

The open area gave Cochise space to gather his warriors who needed to approve any agreement. The natural acoustics let everyone hear the discussions about their future.

The Historic Peace Negotiations

When talks began, Cochise asked Jeffords if Howard could be trusted. Jeffords answered honestly, “Yes, I think so, but I won’t let him promise too much.”

Howard first proposed moving the Chiricahua to New Mexico. Cochise firmly refused, insisting his people stay on their ancestral lands in Arizona.

Faced with this challenge, Howard chose to modify his plan rather than give up on peace. Through formal meetings and casual talks, the two leaders built respect despite their different backgrounds.

The Treaty Terms

On October 12, 1872, Howard and Cochise signed their agreement. The treaty created the Chiricahua Apache Reservation including the Dragoon Mountains, Chiricahua Mountains, and the valley between them – the core of their homeland.

Cochise promised to stop all attacks against Americans. Howard appointed Tom Jeffords as Indian Agent – someone the Apache actually trusted. To announce the peace, Cochise had warriors place a white flag on a nearby hill, later called Treaty Hill, showing that a decade of war had ended.

The Peace Aftermath

Cochise kept the treaty until his death from stomach cancer on June 8, 1874. Following Apache tradition, his burial place remained secret.

Only his family and Jeffords witnessed his burial somewhere in the Dragoons. His favorite horse and dog were sacrificed to join him. No one has found the site.

Jeffords served as Indian Agent despite settlers calling him an “Indian lover.” The peace lasted until 1876 when the government broke its promises, dissolved the reservation, and tried to move the Chiricahua to San Carlos.

This betrayal restarted conflicts that continued until Geronimo’s surrender in 1886.

Visiting Dragoon Mountains

Cochise Stronghold sits in Coronado National Forest, accessible year-round except during severe weather. The eastern entrance is reached via Ironwood Road off State Route 191 near Sunsites.

After 3.8 miles, the paved road becomes dirt but remains passable for standard vehicles. The eastern campground offers 11 sites with grills and picnic tables for $20 per night.

The 4.5-mile Cochise Trail crosses the mountain divide, following routes used by Cochise’s people.

Council Rocks, where the 1872 peace negotiations occurred, requires western access via Middlemarch Road from Tombstone, then north on Forest Service Road 687, and east on 687K.

This route needs high-clearance vehicles. A short, moderately steep quarter-mile hike leads to the historic meeting site.

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