Cochise, << koh CHEES or koh CHEEZ >> (1800?-1874), was a leader of a band of Chiricahua Apache in New Mexico and Arizona. His band raided Mexican settlements and, after the Mexican War (1846-1848), began fighting the United States Army.
During the 1850’s, the Chiricahua were friendly at first with the U.S. government. However, they became concerned when white traffic and settlement in Chiricahua lands increased. In 1861, military officials accused Cochise’s band of kidnapping a white child, and the Army captured Cochise. He escaped, but the Army took six of his tribesmen hostage. The Army also executed Cochise’s brother. In return, Cochise took and killed several hostages. For nearly a decade, Cochise waged war against settlers and the Army.
In 1872, a settler on friendly terms with Cochise’s band brought General Oliver Howard to Cochise to discuss peace. Cochise agreed to stop fighting after the government agreed to provide safety and supplies to his community. His band settled on a reservation in Arizona, but other Apache groups continued to fight for the right to govern themselves. He died on June 8, 1874.
