A Chiricahua Apache raid on Bear Valley ranches resulted in settler deaths and prompted a U.S. Army pursuit into Mexico during Geronimo's War.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1886
- Settler deaths
- 4 people
- Ranches raided
- 4 cattle ranches
- Duration of raid
- Two days
- Pursuit location
- Sonora, Mexico
- Skirmishes fought
- 2 engagements
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During Geronimo's War, a band of Chiricahua Apaches was operating in the Arizona–Sonora border region. In late April 1886, they moved through Santa Cruz County, Arizona, targeting isolated cattle ranches over two days.
The Chiricahua Apaches raided four cattle ranches in or around Bear Valley, killing four settlers including a woman and her baby, capturing a young girl who was later found dead, and stealing or destroying substantial private property.
Upon learning of the attack, the United States Army launched a pursuit expedition. In May, two small skirmishes were fought across the border in Sonora, Mexico, but the Apache band evaded capture on both occasions.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent