Cochise Stronghold

The storm from the coast finally made it to us. Thankfully, it had just about worn itself out. We had no rain, but heavy winds and lots of dark, threatening clouds. By noon, the skies were clearing and we got our heavy coats and drove into the canyon of the Cochise Stronghold.


The Apache Indians, led by Cochise, used these rugged mountains like a fort during the early 1800's. It was home, sanctuary and protection for the indians. In fact, Cochise was born here and after a blunder by the U.S. Army, conducted many attacks on the white men from these hills. After his capture in 1871, Cochise was transfered to a reservation where he died a few years later. His body was returned to his stronghold and is believed to be buried here somewhere.


We drove the winding, narrow, dusty dirt road up into the rocks where a campground has been provided by the Coronado National Forest. From there, we walked the Nature Trail for about half a mile.


There were lots of small signs with information about the different plants in the area and how they were used by the native indians. We were the only ones on the trail and it was easy to imagine silently walking the paths in mocassins while searching for food and shelter.


There were longer hikes available too. But neither of us felt like a six or ten mile hike this late in the afternoon. So, we simply admired the fabulous scenery and absorbed some history. Just think of how much more we would have learned as children in school if we had been able to follow the physical footsteps of our ancestors.