PETRA VELA KENEDY,

By Caroline Clemmons

I am fascinated by the early Texas and Mexican pioneers. One I recently learned about is Petra Vela de Vidal Kenedy. She must have been a strong woman. 

Petra was born on June 29, 1825, in Mier, Mexico, to Josefa and Gregorio Vela. Her father was a provincial governor under Spain with jurisdiction over the territory lying between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande and over the Indian tribes within. Señor Vela owned a large portion of land. Petra was one of the few Mexican-origin upper-class women in nineteenth-century Texas.

Petra Vela de Vidal Kenedy

In December 1840 supposedly she married Luis Vidal, who was originally from Greece and was a colonel of the Mexican regular army. Luis’ decorated military career allowed him and Petra to become a very wealthy family and allowed Petra to establish military contacts within the Mexican military. They had six children before Luis died. Dr. Caroline Crimm’s research in Mexico City led her to believe that Petra and Vidal never actually married. Whether they did or not, he gave his name to their children. Vidal died of cholera in 1849.

Following Luis Vidal’s death, Petra moved her children to Brownsville, Texas. Already a wealthy woman, she married rancher Mifflin Kenedy on April 16, 1852, in Brownsville. Mifflin was a Quaker, but he accepted her Catholic faith. At this time intermarriage between white men and Mexican-origin women was not common and more typically occurred among elites.

The Kenedys had six children and adopted another. As did most women in nineteenth-century Texas, Petra dedicated much of her life to childbearing, childrearing, and the domestic support of the family and the ranch. The Kenedys became one of the wealthiest families in South Texas, dealing primarily in cattle, horses, sheep and land. In 1854 the Kenedys owned a flock of 10,000 sheep near El Sal Rey in Hidalgo County. During the Civil War, Mifflin Kenedy established his wealth through the cotton trade and steamboating. Throughout the 1860s, he was in partnership with Richard King in land, cattle, horses, and sheep.

In 1869 the Kenedy family moved from Brownsville and established the Laureles Ranch in Nueces County. In 1870 the federal census enumerated the Kenedys in Duval County. Their real estate was valued at $21,000 and their personal assets at $139,600.

In 1880 Petra Kenedy resided with her family at the Laureles Ranch, which consisted of 172,000 fenced acres. Including vaqueros, shepherds, and laborers 161 workers were employed there. The ranch also included more than twenty families with more than forty children and a Canadian schoolmaster.

Petra was able to use her connections to persuade raiders not to raid her ranch and she used her wealth to fund a small army of mercenaries to protect her interest. In 1882 Kenedy sold the ranch to the Texas Land and Cattle Company. Petra had become an invalid but doctors could not understand why. (I think having a dozen children may have contributed.) The Kenedy family established the Kenedy Pasture Company in Cameron Count with headquarters at La Parra Ranch, home of their son, John G. Kenedy.

Petra and Mifflin settled in Corpus Christi. In 1884 Kenedy was among the twenty-two persons or firms whose property was valued at over $10,000. The Kenedy residence there was an Italian villa-style home. In Corpus Christi Petra Kenedy helped the church and the poor. A devout Catholic, she donated three bells for the tower and other gifts for the new Catholic church. She also made generous donations to St. Mary's Church in Brownsville.

Petra died at Corpus Christi on March 16, 1885, and was buried at Brownsville. Her obituary noted that "the poor never appealed to her in vain and their wants were often anticipated."

Sources:

Wikipedia

Texas Hanbook Online, Cynthia Orozco

Texas Talks, Dr. Caroline Crimm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My latest release is DESPERATE IN DELAWARE, Yours Truly: The Lovelorn Series. Most of this book is set in North Central Texas. The Universal buy link is https://mybook.to/Mina

Here's the blurb:

I will wait no longer! Since my parents’ death I’ve been living with my sister’s family. I help care for her home and her adorable children. But, when will I have my own husband and children? There is not even one eligible man near my age in our small town. I hear the snickers and hurtful remarks—old maid, spinster, on the shelf. My cousin sent me a newspaper clipping from a Yours Truly: The Lovelorn’s column. Imagine my surprise when the letter to the columnist read as if I had written it. I’ll do it—I’ll follow the Lovelorn’s advice and change my location. I’ll go to Texas to visit my cousin. I refuse to watch my life disappear until I’m left with only regrets!

A COWBOY CHRISTMAS--THE RODEO by Marisa Masterson

It's Christmas in July and the gate opens. Out comes a wildly bucking horse with the man determined to stay in the saddle. Six seconds, seven, eight! He stayed on the required eight seconds.







That's a common enough scene at a rodeo. Consider, though, how did we get our modern rodeo?

Small communities in Texas would come together to celebrate the Fourth of July. Bronc riding and showing off roping skills became a part of those celebrations. Cowboys from different ranches could compete to see who was the best.

In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, Wild west shows were very popular and featured some of what became a part of any rodeo. Cowboys signed on to show off their riding and roping skills. The public loved it.




The first rodeo recorded as awarding prizes was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The first one to charge admission is thought to be in Prescott, Arizona. Regardless of where these things happened, by the 1890, rodeos became annual events in many places.

With their popularity, a huge problem rose. Many of the large rodeos billed themselves as "World Championship Rodeo". Just imagine how many world champions there were in one year alone! This is one of the reasons that several rodeo committees formed the Rodeo Association of America in 1929. It was the start at trying to regulate the celebration and change the rodeo from a spectacle into the sport that it is today.

But why Christmas in July or Cowboy Christmas? I'm not sure. I do know that ten days in early July are packed with more rodeos than a person could hope to attend. It's definitely an exciting time. The contestants have the chance to win some serious money, though most spend more to be there than they win. Still, maybe the chance of winning the payout is why it's like Christmas to them.


Sadly, people couldn't head out to rodeos this year. Long standing traditions gave way to health and safety concerns, and the annual rodeo became one more victim in this terrible pandemic.

I hope that isn't a sign that Santa plans to stay home on December 24...

(I want to direct you to a fantastic article for more information on the background of rodeos--https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/llr01#.)

Here's my own spin on Christmas in July, available at a special pre-order price. Now, it's $.99, but the price goes up to $2.99 on July 31...

Pre-order today for the special price.

A hula dancer—seriously? And blonde to boot!

Why did someone send JT Kirkwood a hula dancer ornament? This was July, not even close to December and the season for a Christmas tree. The note promised that the dancer was real and waiting for him. No matter how ridiculous this seemed, JT looked at the ornament and felt compelled to find the woman mentioned in the note. Too bad his father’s accident prevents him from looking.

A luau—seriously? With their town of Oak Grove hit by layoffs, why did Bonnie Miller’s mother insist that they throw a city-wide party at the small strip mall that housed Bonnie’s restaurant. Still, her mother had fantastic insight into what the public wanted, so Bonnie went along with it. She even danced the hula for the crowd, and saw the man of her dreams watching.

Serenaded by Elvis, this couple easily falls in love. But is love at first sight enough to overcome the distance that separates the couple when JT has to return to his job in another town far from Oak Grove? He loves his home and job, but Bonnie is fiercely loyal to hers as well.

Mrs. Claus is discovering that not even the magic of a compelling ornament or the lyrical sounds of Elvis will be enough to bring about this couple’s happily ever. Which one will compromise? Will each say Aloha--meaning goodbye?

INTERVIEW WITH HELEN

Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

I thought you might find an 'interview' Helen Hunt Jackson entertaining and educational.

Interviewer: As you were traveling to the west you made some unique observations. Would you share some of those thoughts?

Helen: Prairie, unfenced, undivided, unmeasured, unmarked, save by the different tints of different growths of grass or grain; great droves of cattle grazing here and there; acres of willow saplings, pale yellowish green; and solitary trees, which look like hermits in a wilderness. These, and now and then a shapeless village, which looks even lonelier than the empty loneliness by which it is surrounded, - these are all for hours and hours. We think, “now we are getting out into the great spaces.” “This is what the word ‘West’ has sounded like.”

Interviewer: You seem to like the lower elevations as opposed to the high peaks. Why do you think that?

Helen: I think that true delight, true realization, of the gracious, tender, unutterable beauty of the earth and all created things are to be found in outlooks from lower points—vistas which shut more than they show, sweet and unexpected revealings in level places and valley, secrets of near woods, and glories of every-day paths.

North Cheyenne Canyon
Photo property of the author

Interviewer: You are quoted as saying there are nine places of worship in Colorado Springs. What are the?

Helen: There are nine “places of divine worship” in Colorado Springs, -- the Presbyterian, the Cumberland Presbyterian, the Methodist, the South Methodist, the Episcopal, the Congregationalist, the Baptist, the Unitarian, and Cheyenne Canyon.

Interviewer: What do you do when the snow covers the ground?

Helen... winter... memory and fancy will have their way; and, as we sit cowering over fires, and the snow piles up outside our window sills, we shall gaze dreamily into the glowing coals, and, living the summer over again, shall recall it in a minuteness of joy, for summer days were too short and summer light too strong. Then, when joy becomes reverie, and reverie takes shape, a truer record can be written....

Interviewer: I would like to spend some time with questions about your work for the Indians in the late 1870's and early 1880's. In your article 'Oldest House' you mention the fate of the people who lived in the area prior to the Spanish residence in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe
Photo property of the author

Helen: When Coronado explored Mexico in 1540, he found many Indian pueblos on the Rio Grande River, and speaks of several which must have been near the present location of Santa Fe. The one which it is generally supposed was on its precise site at the time stretched along its river-banks for six miles. Colonado reported that he found here a beautiful and fertile valley, under high cultivation by the Indians. It is hard to realize...that a race which, over three hundred years ago, had reached comfort and success in agriculture and pastoral occupations, should be today an abject, supine, wretched race...is a melancholy comment on the injustices they have received.

Interviewer: Those are pretty harsh words. It is obvious you have strong feelings about the issue.

Helen: The book, Century of Dishonor, as its title indicates,..gives a sketch of the United States Government's dealings with some of the..tribes. Right sentiment and purpose in a senator..representative here and there, are little more than straws which make momentary eddies, but do not obstruct the tide. a..states representative argued in Congress that is is very hard if the government will not for..advantage, break a few treaties when it has broken so many for the advantage of other states....what a logic of infamy...because we have had one century of dishonor, must we have two?

Interviewer: Do you think anything can be done for about this issue?

Helen: The only thing that can stay this is a mighty outspoken sentiment and purpose of the great body of the people. ....for the American people, as a people, are not at heart unjust. If there be one thing which they believe in more than any other,...it is fair play. As soon as they understand....they will rise up and demand it...

Interviewer: Thank you so much for taking the time to share some of your thoughts and words with us. 

(The 'interview' are from the writing of Mrs. Jackson. Also prior to the publication of Century of Dishonor and Ramona, Helen did not use her real name. The use of Helen Hunt Jackson did not appear until after her death in 1885.) 

I hope you enjoyed a bit of insight into the interesting, complex and fearless woman. She seemed to always state her opinion, regardless of what others may have thought. She is a woman to be remembered.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Website: Angela Raines - author

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

First State-funded Hospital for African Americans in Texas

As some of you have undoubtedly noticed, I've previously posted articles about Galveston in the 1890s. The reason being that the island and its grand city are the setting for my WIP (work in progress) circa 1895. I've done a ton of research on many topics pertaining to Galveston in era. Today I'm sharing a post from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) newsroom.

Considering how the Covid-19 crisis has Texas hospitals bursting at the seams, and the ongoing fight for equal treatment of African Americans, I think this article is quite pertinent. I hope y'all agree.

https://www.utmb.edu/newsroom/article9221.aspx

UTMB opened first state-funded hospital for African-Americans in Texas

January 31, 2014

Mahatma Ghandi once said, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” This occurred when a philanthropist, a university and a community came together to open the first state hospital for African-Americans in Texas. In 1902 the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston opened the state's first state-subsidized “negro” hospital.

Galveston "Negro" Hospital; image courtesy of Rosenburg Library

Prior to the hospital’s opening, African-American patients were treated in the department for “negro” patients in Galveston’s old City Hospital building, operated by UTMB. In 1900 the old City Hospital was severely damaged in a category 4 hurricane that ravished Galveston — and is still the deadliest storm to date in U.S. history.

In 1901 an anonymous New York philanthropist donated $15,000 for the construction of a negro hospital, stipulating that the money was to be used only for the building of a new hospital and not for the repairs of the old City Hospital.

UTMB’s hospital board accepted the donation and its terms, and immediately began planning the hospital’s construction. They determined the $15,000 donation was not enough to complete the building, so an additional $3,000 was donated from the Galveston Storm Relief Fund.

Near the completion of the hospital, a Galveston County Daily News article dated April 6, 1902 ran with the headline, “A Negro Hospital – One of the Finest in South.” The article stated the building was well-ventilated and lighted and had a fine system of sanitary plumbing.

“Nowhere in Texas will the sick black man, woman or child be offered such comfort. It will have all the conveniences and advantages of the white department,” said the article.

To furnish the hospital, African-American citizens of Galveston came together and raised $574.85. The newspaper published a letter from J.R. Gibson on April 5, 1902. The letter read, “To the honorable Board of Managers of John Sealy Hospital … agreeable to a request of yours we have solicited donations from the colored people to aid you by furnishing the wards of the new hospital for colored patients. … We asked for $450.00 but are glad to enclose a check to your order for $574.85.”

Donations were made by 19 African-American organizations in Galveston, including St. Monica Society of Holy Rosary Church, Calton Screwmen Longshoremen Association No. 2 and Acme Lodge No. 64.

The hospital was a two-story building made of pressed brick and could accommodate approximately 60 patients. It consisted of an administration building, two large charity wards for male and female patients and private rooms.

After its opening, UTMB’s Negro Hospital served as a refuge for many black Houstonians. Before 1919, Houston hospitals only employed white physicians and many of them refused to treat black patients.

To accommodate Galveston’s growing population, the hospital was demolished in 1937 to make room for a new three-story Negro Hospital to accommodate 92 patients. It was built for $285,000 and included an obstetrics and gynecological ward, a surgical ward and a ward for crippled children.

Daily News articles from 1954 and 1957 show UTMB petitioned the state for funding to expand the Negro Hospital due to overcrowding. A 1957 article stated that funds were left out for the hospital in a House appropriations bill.

By 1958 the Daily News reported the hospital was closed because of its “inadequacy,” and African-American patients were moved to the main hospital.

Integration wasn’t new to the institution. In 1949, UTMB had already desegregated its medical school with the admittance of the first African-American student to a medical school in Texas.

Today UTMB is one of the top five non-traditional schools in the nation for African-American and Latino graduates and a leading health system for diversity. Without question, UTMB’s strength in diversity is due in part to a small body of determined spirits who came together over 110 years ago to change the course of history. A philanthropist, a university and a community fired by an unquenchable faith.

How a city becomes a city in the times of the MidWest (Winnipeg)

I’ll eventually be writing a sequel to my recent release, Torn in Toronto. It will be set in Winnipeg which has a strange and fascinating history. It had its peak of commercial importance around 1920 but it has continued to grow since then. Winnipeg is the perfect setting for this next book in the series the completion of the first direct rail link to eastern Canada in 1881 allowed for mass immigration to the city so there was a boom in population growth and urban development. I love history and the development of a “young” city like this is truly fascinating to me but I will try not to drone on too much ;-) If you don’t love history as much as I do, feel free to skip down to the “Conclusion.”

Royal Tour of Canada 1939

as

A wee little bit of ancient history:

Winnipeg lies at the juncture where the Assiniboine River and the Red River meet, a historic focal point on canoe river routes travelled by Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. First Nations people would use the area for camps, hunting, fishing, trading, and further north, agriculture. The rivers provided transportation far and wide and linked many for trade and knowledge sharing. Lake Winnipeg was considered to be an inland sea, with important river links to the mountains out west, the Great Lakes to the east, and the Arctic Ocean in the north. The Red River linked ancient northern and southern peoples along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

Fur trade

The Hudson's Bay Company and British colonialists laid claim to the entire area (called Rupert's Land at the time) in the late 17th century. This entire Hudson Bay drainage basin included the area now known as Winnipeg. Fur traders working with and trading with the Hudson's Bay Company would have traveled and lived along the major rivers, including the Red River. To protect their interests, various forts were built throughout the years.

Early settlement

In 1811, the Scottish aristocrat and humanitarian Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, received from the Hudson's Bay Company a grant of 116,000 square miles in the basins of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, which he named Assiniboia. His goal was to establish the first permanent agricultural settlement along the Red River near the junction of the two rivers, to be inhabited by displaced Scottish Highland families and retired Rupert's Land employees of the Hudson's Bay Company. The Red River Settlement was founded in 1812 and the construction of Fort Douglas was overseen by Miles Macdonell, Lord Selkirk's first Governor of Assiniboia, in 1813–14. This would be the first European agricultural colony on the northern great plains.

Selkirk Settlement 1822

All this time, the Hudson’s Bay Company had a monopoly on commercial affairs in the West but beginning in 1862, an unincorporated village began to form a short distance north of Fort Garry (the Company’s main location). This village became home to a cluster of business enterprises of the longtime landowners of this part of the settlement, as well as a small but growing number of entrepreneurs and small landholders who had recently arriving from the United States and Ontario. While open commercial trade that was independent of the Hudson's Bay Company had been occurring in the Red River settlement since 1849, this concentration of businesses would form the basis of a new urban centre. As the city grew, this area would remain its commercial heart well into the 20th century.

Early post-Confederation Winnipeg (1870–1913)

In 1869, the Hudson's Bay Company formally surrendered its charter rights over Rupert's Land, a territory that includes Winnipeg, back to the Crown. In 1870, the British ceded the territory to the Canadian government, under s. 146 of the Constitution Act, 1867. Some didn’t love how this was handled and the resulting rebellion and negotiations led to the passage of the Manitoba Act, and the admittance of Manitoba as a province into Canadian Confederation on 15 July 1870. Shortly before the passage of the Manitoba Act, the Wolseley expedition was dispatched from Toronto to Fort Garry in May 1870. Led by General Garnet Wolseley, and manned by British Army and Canadian militia units, the expedition was sent to quell the rebellion, and counter American settlers encroaching the Canada–United States border.

Railways and economic growth

The first locomotive in Winnipeg, the Countess of Dufferin, arrived in Winnipeg via steamboat in 1877, and railway connection to St. Paul began the following year, via the Pembina Branch. The Pembina Branch ran on the east side of the Red River and terminated in St. Boniface. From there, passengers and goods were transported across the river to Winnipeg by ferry. The Canadian Pacific Railway completed the first direct rail link from eastern Canada in 1881, when the railway crossed the newly-constructed bridge across the Red River at Point Douglas, the Louise Bridge. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway opened the door to mass immigration and settlement of Winnipeg and the Canadian Prairies.

With the arrival of the railways, Winnipeg experienced a period of significant population growth, beginning in 1881 and lasting well until the 1910s. The city's population grew from 7,900 in 1881 to more than 179,000 in 1921. The only large city on the Canadian prairies in 1891, and a centre of railway transportation between eastern and western Canada, Winnipeg became the leading commercial centre of the prairie territories and provinces. In succeeding decades as other prairie centres such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina become regional centres of trade, Winnipeg's importance as the chief economic centre of Western Canada was reduced, though it retained a strong regional importance, particularly as a Western Canadian centre of finance and the grain trade.

Owing to its place as a transportation hub between eastern and western Canada, Winnipeg became a major wholesaling centre in the late 19th century, and many substantial wholesaling warehouses and light manufacturing buildings were constructed on the northern end of the central business district, to the east and west of Main Street. 

The Manitoba Legislative Building reflects the optimism of the boom years. Built mainly of Tyndall Stone and opened in 1920, its dome supports a bronze statue finished in gold leaf titled, "Eternal Youth and the Spirit of Enterprise" (commonly known as the "Golden Boy"). The Manitoba Legislature was built in the neoclassical style that is common to many other North American state and provincial legislative buildings of the 19th century and early 20th century. The Legislature was built to accommodate representatives for three million people, which was the expected population of Manitoba at the time.

Urban structure

With a rapidly growing population, enlarged urban area, and growing economic importance, a neighbourhood class structure began to form in the 1880s. This structure's most notable character was a general divide based on class and ethnicity between the north and south parts of the city. This began with a real estate boom in 1881 and early 1882, which resulted in the expansion of commercial uses in the centre of the city near Main Street, and significant outward expansion of residential districts.

The North End became home to many of the growing city's working classes and recent immigrants,

1880 Winnipeg

while many of Winnipeg's wealthy and Canadian-born and British-born citizens settled in the south end of the city. This north–south division would generally continue well into the 20th century, as the working class North End and the wealthier south end expanded further out from Winnipeg's downtown core.

Winnipeg took on its distinctive multicultural character during this period. Many new Canadians that settled in Winnipeg lived in the city's North End. For much of the 20th century, the North End was home to many religious, cultural, and economic institutions of the immigrant communities arriving from Eastern Europe.

Conclusion:

It’s fascinating how explorers turned to settlers and then technology led to population growth. It’s sad that immigration, so needed for such a young country, also led to divisions. This seems to be a tale as old as time. But I sure wish I could have seen the late nineteenth century Winnipeg with my own eyes instead of just with the eyes of my imagination. But my characters sure are going to have a lot of fun exploring.

In the meantime, if you haven’t read Torn inToronto yet, now’s your chance J

Torn in Toronto

Could love be the greatest adventure of all?

Caitlyn Doherty wanted more adventure than her proper life in upper class Toronto allowed. It took a struggle against her parents’ restrictive views for her to be able to accept a position as telephone operator. She wanted to experience more than just finding a rich husband to marry.

Connor Dalton was too busy overcoming his childhood of poverty by becoming a fabulously wealthy businessman to even consider starting a family. But he feels so drawn to his telephone operator, it puts him in a very awkward position.

When Caitlyn’s mother pushes her toward Connor’s business rival, Connor and Caitlyn must both decide what they value most.

If you like sweet, swoony love stories set in the adventurous, late 19^th century, then you’ll enjoy every minute of reading Torn in Toronto.

I'd love to stay in touch. Follow me on Amazon or join me on Facebook.

Fort Apache – Arizona Territory by Shirleen Davies

A significant territorial outpost, Fort Apache was built in the spring of 1870.

Fort Apache 1883

Leadership at the time name it Camp Ord, in honor of General O.C. Ord, Commander of Arizona. In August of that year they changed the name to Camp Mogollon, and in September they gave it another name, Camp Thomas. That’s three names in less than a year.

Finally, on February 2, 1871, they gave it the name that stuck—Fort Apache.

The fort was built at the end of a military road on the White Mountain Reservation, to guard it and the White Mountain Agency.

In 1869, Colonel (Major) John Green of the U.S. 1st Cavalry wrote the following:

“This post would be of the greatest advantage for the following reasons: It would compel the White Mountain Indians to live on their reservation or be driven from their beautiful country which they almost worship. It would stop their traffic in corn with the hostile tribes, they could not plant an acre of ground without our permission as we know every spot of it. It would make a good scouting post, being adjacent to hostile bands on either side. Also, a good supply depot for Scouting expeditions from other posts, and in fact, I believe, would do more to end the Apache War than anything else.”

Fort Activities

There was a lot of activity at the fort on August 1871, when General George Crook, commander of the Department of Arizona, made his first visit. He recruited about 50 Native Americans from Pedro and Miguel’s bands to work as Apache Scouts. The Scouts came to play a critical role in the Apache Wars which lasted for the next fifteen years and only ended with the final surrender of the Chiricahua leader Geronimo in 1886.

 A great deal of unrest took place at the fort in 1876 when federal troops moved the troublesome Chiricahuas from Fort Bowie to the White Mountain Reservation.

In 1881, the departmental commander, General Orlando Willcox, heard about a shaman named Nochaydelklinne, who was preaching about a mystical religion—a means to resurrect the Apache’s dead and also to drive the white men away.  The shaman soon gained a large following and the General feared he might stir up trouble. Willcox sent troops to arrest the shaman, who camped with his followers on Cibeque Creek, near Fort Apache.

Cavalry Parade

On August 30, 1881, the troops tried to take Nochaydelklinne into custody and a fight broke out. The medicine man was shot and killed, which incited a mutiny among the Apache scouts.

Battles Fought by Fort Apache Troops

General George Crook planned a Tonto Basin campaign and moved on to Camp Verde to execute the tactical operations. Several Apache scouts crisscrossed the Tonto Basin and the surrounding tablelands, hunting the renegade Tonto Apache and their Yavapai allies in the winter of 1872 to 1873. They forced about 20 skirmishes and in all killed around 200 Native Americans until they finally wore down their adversaries.

General George Crook

Soldiers from Fort Apache continued to battle various renegade bands led by such famous warriors as Geronimo, Natchez, Chato, and Chihuahua.

The Battle of Fort Apache was the major engagement fought by the troops on September 1, 1881. The attack was in retaliation for the Cibecue Creek battle in which Nochaydelklinne was killed. However, the two engagements occurred about forty miles from each other on opposite sides of the Fort Apache Reservation and happened two days apart.

From long range, near Whiteriver, Arizona, the Apaches repeatedly fired volleys at the fort with their rifles and scored some hits. The U.S. cavalry and native allies returned fire, but the Apache remained at the end of their rifle range during the entire fight. The action lasted until sunset after several Apache attacks were repelled by counter fire.

By the time reinforcements from Fort Thomas on the San Carlos Indian Reservation arrived, two days later, the Apaches had withdrawn into hiding. Only three American soldiers were wounded. The Apache casualties are unknown.

Nochaydelklinne's death roused other Apache groups to leave their reservations and join Geronimo and other leaders for battle or to escape to Mexico. It was only after Geronimo was captured for the last time in 1886, that the Apache Wars finally came to an end.

1948 Movie Set for Fort Apache

You Can Plan a Visit

When the fort closed, its buildings were turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Some of the buildings are still standing.  People can visit the Fort Apache Historical Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday in summer, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday the rest of the year.

Present Day Fort Apache

The Fort Apache post office occupies the adobe adjutant’s building. A log building, one of the oldest structures and reputedly the residence of General Crook, as well as the stone officers’ quarters, are today the residences of teachers and other Bureau of Indian Affairs employees.

Also, an overview of the history of the fort and its impact on the Apache people is kept in General Crook’s Cabin. Photomurals, maps, and historic photographs bring the past alive to visitors. A mid-1870s period room offers a glimpse into the world of Army officers and their families at a remote outpost.

Twenty-seven historic buildings make up the core of the 288-acre National Register Historic District. Following maps available at the Museum, visitors can explore the district at their own pace. Interpretive signs explain the construction and use of the historic buildings and spaces, so visitors can immerse themselves in the history of what many consider the best surviving example of an Apache Wars-era military post. 

1871 Restored Log Cabin

The Sutler’s Store and commissary building, cavalry barns, and guard house haven’t changed much. The parade ground provides a recreational area. The cemetery no longer holds the bodies of dead soldiers, but the graves of the Indian scouts are still there.

Visitors can also hike the Historic Park ’s recreational trails, including a 1.4 - mile loop through the East Fork canyon that passes by the site of a historic Apache Scout camp and a small Ancestral Pueblo village.

Thank you for reading the post. Please feel free to comment!

Check out Solitude Gorge, book ten in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series. Available through most Online Vendors!

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