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George Bascom, Cochise, and the Genesis of the Apache Wars

Junichiro Tanizaki

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Published in The Black Legend: George Bascom Cochise And The Start Of The Apache Wars

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Prologue: The Precarious Landscape

The American Southwest in the mid-19th century was a volatile frontier, where the expansionist ambitions of the United States clashed with the ancestral lands of Native American tribes. Among them were the Apache, a fierce and independent people who vehemently resisted any encroachment upon their territory.

The Black Legend: George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

by Doug Hocking

4.7 out of 5

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In this tinderbox of tensions, a fateful encounter between a U.S. Army officer and a prominent Apache chief set the stage for a conflict that would reverberate throughout the region. The protagonists of this drama were Lieutenant George Bascom and Cochise, a sagacious and respected leader of the Chiricahua Apache.

The Kidnapping of Apache Children

The incident that ignited the Apache Wars occurred on February 4, 1861, at Apache Pass in southern Arizona. Lieutenant Bascom, acting on a questionable report of Apache involvement in cattle raids, detained Cochise and several other Apache leaders under the pretext of a peace parley.

As negotiations stalled, Bascom's suspicions hardened. He demanded that Cochise surrender the alleged cattle rustlers, including Mangas Coloradas, a prominent warrior. Cochise, perceiving this as a betrayal of trust, refused. In retaliation, Bascom imprisoned Cochise and his followers, including women and children.

The Showdown at Apache Pass

Cochise's son-in-law, Juan, escaped captivity and rallied a force of Apache warriors. On February 18, they attacked the Army camp at Apache Pass, demanding the release of their imprisoned kin. Bascom refused, leading to a fierce battle that lasted several hours.

Amidst the chaos, Cochise managed to break free from his bonds and rejoined his people. Outnumbered and outgunned, Bascom's forces were forced to retreat, leaving behind the bodies of their slain comrades.

The Escalation of Conflict

The Battle of Apache Pass was a watershed moment in Apache-American relations. Cochise, once a respected ally, became a symbol of Apache resistance, vowing to avenge the lives lost at Apache Pass.

The U.S. government, determined to subdue the Apache threat, dispatched additional troops to the region. However, the Apache, with their intimate knowledge of the terrain and their unparalleled guerrilla tactics, proved to be a formidable adversary.

The Legacy of George Bascom and Cochise

The Apache Wars, which raged intermittently for over two decades, left an enduring mark on the American West. George Bascom's actions at Apache Pass set in motion a chain of events that ultimately led to the deaths of thousands of Apache and American soldiers.

Cochise, who became known as the Apache Napoleon, emerged as a legendary figure, inspiring generations of Native American resistance. His legacy as a fearless warrior and a brilliant strategist continues to resonate today.

: Lessons from History

The story of George Bascom, Cochise, and the Apache Wars serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cultural misunderstandings and the devastating consequences of armed conflict.

It is a reminder that even the smallest of incidents can trigger far-reaching repercussions, and that a lack of communication and respect can lead to tragedy. As we navigate the challenges of the present, we would do well to heed the lessons of the past.

The Black Legend: George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

by Doug Hocking

4.7 out of 5