Historical Timeline of Apache Wars from Spanish Contact to Geronimo's Surrender
The Apache Wars spanned from the 1580s until 1886, initiated by Spanish intrusions into Apache lands in the Rio Grande and northern Chihuahua. The first confrontations took place between the 1650s and 1670s, escalating after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. A period of peace lasted from 1780 to 1821 under Spanish rule, which ended with Mexico's independence, prompting renewed raids and scalp bounties. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was pivotal as the U.S. took control of New Mexico and Arizona, leading to tensions with settlers. From 1849 to 1860, U.S. fortifications were established. Cochise's War (1861-1872) and Victorio's War (1874-1880) ensued, culminating in Geronimo's stand in 1886, although raiding persisted into the 1930s.
Key facts
- Apache conflicts began in the 1580s with Spanish expansion into Rio Grande and northern Chihuahua
- The 1680 Pueblo Revolt allowed Apache groups to occupy abandoned Spanish settlements
- Spain's peace system (1780s-1821) provided food and supplies to Apache bands, reducing raids
- Mexican independence in 1821 collapsed the peace system, leading to increased raids and scalp bounties
- The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred New Mexico and Arizona to U.S. control
- The 1861 Bascom Affair triggered Cochise's War, lasting until 1872
- Victorio's War (1874-1880) spanned New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua before ending with his death
- Geronimo's 1886 surrender marked the official end of major Apache Wars
Entities
Artists
- Henry Farny
Institutions
- Amon Carter Art Museum
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Wikimedia
- NotebookLM
Locations
- American West
- Southwest
- New Mexico
- Arizona
- Mexico
- Spain
- Rio Grande
- Chihuahua
- Sonora
- Texas
- Santa Fe
- El Paso
- Sierra Madre Mountains
- Apache Pass
- Las Animas Canyon
- Tres Castillos
- Hembrillo Basin
- United States