Apache << uh PACH ee >> belong to a number of tribes of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. According to the 2020 U.S. census, there are about 75,000 Apache in the United States. Many Apache live on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Apache tribes include the Jicarilla, the Mescalero, the San Carlos, and the White Mountain Apache. During the late 1800’s, the Apache became known for their fierce resistance to U.S. government attempts to restrict them to reservations.
The Apache once hunted game and gathered wild plants for food. They wore animal skins and lived in thatched houses or in tipis. They became known for raiding early Spanish settlers and other Indigenous (native) groups in the area.
The Apache were placed on reservations in the 1870’s after being defeated by the United States Army. However, several Apache bands fled from their reservations and resumed their raids. In 1885, Geronimo led the most famous outbreak from an Apache reservation. He surrendered in 1886. The Army imprisoned many peaceful Apache along with Geronimo and his followers.
Today, many Apache work for lumber or cattle companies owned by their tribe. The Jicarilla Apache of New Mexico earn most of their income from mineral deposits on their reservations. In 1982, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the right of the Jicarilla to tax the production of oil and natural gas on their lands.
See also Cochise; Fort Bowie National Historic Site; Geronimo; Indigenous peoples of the Americas (Peoples of the Southwest); Indian wars (Apache warfare).
