About Apache Warriors
The Apache were famous for several qualities, historically speaking. Their tenacity, fierceness and devotion were legendary. Much of this fame originated from the Apache warriors, who often fought against insurmountable odds but did so with the utmost bravery and contempt for the fear of death.
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Time Frame
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The warriors who would eventually come to be known as Apache warriors lived on the continent long before European settlers arrived. While it isn't known how long the Apache had existed before the Westerners encountered them, it is known that indigenous peoples of many varieties had called the area home for thousands of years previous before the Europeans arrived. The Apache warriors lasted well into the late 1800s. In 1886 the last of the true Apache warriors were forced to surrender to United States military forces. The Apache people live on without the warrior element.
Geography
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Before European interference, the Apache warriors operated across what is known today as Northwestern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and other surrounding states. Some Apache warrior activity ranged as far north as the Great Plains. Apache warrior raids would enter surrounding territories.
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Features
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Apache warriors became famous, or infamous, within Western culture due to their intensely brave, ferocious style of warfare. When the last of the Apache finally surrendered in 1886, led by longtime leader Geronimo, there were only about 50 warriors left Their once vast numbers had dwindled as they faced greater weaponry, resources and numbers from their opponents. including the Spanish, the United States and Mexico. This highlights the dedication and resourcefulness that the Apache warriors displayed. Right up until the time of their surrender, the remaining Apache warriors had been leading successful raids against thousands of American troops and civilians. In the end, they simply couldn't win a war of attrition.
Evolution
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When Europeans first arrived in the Americas, the Apache warriors tended to use simpler, native weapons such as the tomahawk, bow and arrow, and knife. Through their years of trade with Westerners, however, they began to procure firearms and horses, both of which began integral parts of the Apache warrior fighting strategy.
Misconceptions
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There are many popular misconceptions regarding Apache warriors. Foremost, the term "Apache" was really a European-created name for many indigenous tribes, including the Navajo, Western Apache, Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Plains Apache and Mescalero. Eventually, under pressure from years of fighting with American, Spanish and Mexican troops, these different tribes fused into a group commonly called "Apache."
Another commonly held misconception is the myth of the "noble savage." This is the idea that the Apache warriors displayed such bravery, ruthlessness and heart on the battlefield because of their "savage" nature. This is not only insulting and degrading but also unfounded. The truth is that the Apache warriors often fought when outnumbered and to the death because they had no other choice and were fighting to protect their homes and families.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
