Cochise

Cochise (A-da-tli-chi = "hardwood", also Cheis) (c. 1805–June 9, 1874) was a chief (nantan) of the Chokonen ("central" or "real" Chiricahua) band of the Chiricahua Apache and the leader of an uprising that began in 1861.

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Cochise was the most famous Apache leader to resist intrusions by Mexicans and Americans during the 19th century. He was described as a large man, for the time, with a muscular frame and classical Roman features and long black hair he wore in traditional Apache style.

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Cochise and the Chokonen-Chiricahua lived in the area that is now the northern Mexican region of Sonora, New Mexico and Arizona, which were traditional Apache territories until the coming of the Europeans. Due to encroachment by Spain and later Mexico, the Chokonen and Nednhi-Chiricahua became increasingly dependant upon food rations issued by the Mexican government to placate them. When this practice was abruptly ended in 1831, the various Chiricahua bands resumed raids to acquire food. The Mexican government began a series of military operations in order to either capture or neutralize the Chiricahua, but met with stiff resistance from Cochise and the Apache who were implacable foes. Mexican troops were largely unsuccessful in their attempts and were often fought to a stand-still by the Apache and Cochise. As part of their attempts at controlling the Chiricahua, Mexican forces, often with the help of American and Native American mercenaries, began to kill Apache civilians including Cochise's father and this hardened Cochise's resolve and gave the Chiricahua more reason for vengeance. Mexican forces were finally able to capture Cochise in 1848 during an Apache raid on Fronteras, Sonora, but gave him up as part of an exchange for nearly a dozen Mexican hostages.

1805: 1805 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar)....

June 9: June 9 is the 160th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (161st in leap years), with 205 days remaining....

1874: 1874 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar)....

Cochise related Images and Photos (experimental)

Conquest of Cochise (1953)