Apache scouts

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Apache scouts (U.S. Army Indian Scouts) came from different Apache tribes or bands. Most of their service was in the Apache wars of the 1870s to 1890s, where they were the eyes and ears of the US military and sometimes the cultural translators for the various Apache bands and the US military.

Albert Sieber, Chief of Scouts, (February 1874) in Arizona; Photo: Flanders & Penelon, Photographic Artists.
Albert Sieber, Chief of Scouts, (February 1874) in Arizona; Photo: Flanders & Penelon, Photographic Artists.

There has been a great deal written about Apache scouts, both as part of US Army reports from the field and more colorful accounts written after the events by non-Apaches in newspapers and books. Non-Apache civilians were also employed by the military as scouts. Men such as Al Sieber were sometimes in charge of small groups of 'Indian scouts'.

As was the custom in the US Military, scouts were enlisted with Anglo nicknames or single names. Typical military field reports generally list the military unit, officers, sometimes the civilian scouts and the number enlisted men and scouts that were attached. Many Apache scouts received citations for bravery.

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[edit] Apache Scouts by band

It is important to note that Apaches were lumped together as a group by outsiders. However, while they may have shared many similar customs and language, they defined themselves by loose bands which tended to be associated with a geographical area. A band was semi nomadic and had clan and kinship ties with neighboring groups. Thus, a western Apache band did not have many ties to a Mescelaro (eastern) band and might be very distrustful. Apache Scouts were usually grouped in operational units by band.

[edit] Western Apache Scouts

Tonto scouts were recruited to assist General Crook find Delshay group of Tonto Apache (Western Apaches) who fled the Verde reservation in 1873-74. Apaches from the Yumas, Mohaves, and Tonto bands were enlisted. Crook's Chief of Scouts, Albert Sieber always seemed to have 'his' Tonto scouts with him through the Apache Wars.

White Mountain scouts served with Company A (Lt Gatewood) from Ft. Apache in 1885-6.

[edit] Chiricaua Apache Scouts

General Crook had high praise for this group which is composed of several bands. "Chiricahuas were the most subordinate, energetic, untiring and, by odds, the most efficient of their command" (Crook Resume of Operations quoted in Conquest of Apacheria p 364). These scouts were sent to Florida by General Miles, along with those who they tracked for 16 months (1885-86), as if these Apache Scouts were hostiles to be punished. They were kept captive under nominal arrest as prisoners of war, along with the the rest of Geronimos band whom they'd helped the Army track down, for 26 years before finally being released.

Warm Springs (Mimbres band) and Chiricahua (band) Scouts served in Company B under Lt. Britt Davis in the above period.

[edit] Mescalero Apache Scouts

In 1885 Mescalero Scouts were with Major Vanm Horn and Cavalry from Fort Stanton on the Rio Grande trying to prevent Geronimo, Nana and others from crossing .

[edit] References

Most books which cover any portion of the United States and Apache conflicts will mention Apache Scouts.

  • Thrapp, Dan L. (1995). Al Sieber: Chief of Scouts. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 0806127708. 
  • Anon (1956). Record of Enlistments in the United States Army,"Volumes 150-151 (1866-77) Indian Scouts. Washington D.C.: National Archives [Microcopy 233]. 
  • Thrapp, Dan L. (1979). The Conquest of Apacheria. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 0806112867. 
  • Bourke, John G. (1980). On the Border with Crook. Time-Life Books. ISBN 0809435853. 

[edit] See also