The Untold Story of George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

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The Black Legend: George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

by Doug Hocking (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

George Bascom, a young and ambitious officer in the United States Army, found himself thrust into a pivotal role in the escalating tensions between the Apache tribe and the settlers in the American Southwest. His encounter with Cochise, the legendary Apache leader, would go on to change the course of history and ignite the flames of the Apache Wars.

It was the year 1861, and the American West was a land of opportunity, but also one of conflict and uncertainty. Settlers were moving westward, driven by the promise of riches and new beginnings. However, this westward expansion clashed with the longstanding presence of Native American tribes, who rightly saw this encroachment as a threat to their way of life.

Meeting of Two Worlds

In the winter of 1861, tensions between the Apache tribe and the settlers were at an all-time high. Incidents of violence and raiding had increased, and the US Army was struggling to maintain control over the situation. It was during this tumultuous time that Lieutenant George Bascom received orders to locate and capture the individuals responsible for the kidnapping of an Apache boy and the murder of a white rancher.

Bascom was a young officer, eager to prove himself and rise through the ranks. He saw this assignment as an opportunity to display his leadership skills and bring an end to the unrest. With a small detachment of soldiers, Bascom set out to find the culprits and bring them to justice.

However, Bascom's plan quickly unravelled when he mistakenly identified Cochise, the respected and influential Chiricahua Apache leader, as the mastermind behind the kidnappings. Cochise, who was not involved in the incidents, was outraged by Bascom's accusations and demanded proof. Bascom, desperate to maintain control of the situation, failed to provide any evidence.

The Escalation of Violence

Unsurprisingly, Cochise and his warriors refused to surrender and were determined to defend their people and their way of life. The situation quickly escalated into a full-scale conflict, known as the Bascom Affair, marking the beginning of the Apache Wars.

The Apache Wars spanned over two decades, from 1861 to 1886, and were characterized by violence, bloodshed, and a relentless determination on both sides. The US Army, equipped with superior firepower, sought to subdue and control the Apache tribes, while the Apaches fiercely resisted, employing guerrilla tactics and utilizing their deep knowledge of the unforgiving terrain.

For George Bascom, the consequences of his hasty actions were dire. The Bascom Affair not only resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers and Apache warriors but also led to a deepening cycle of revenge and retaliation. Bascom's failure to understand the complexities of the situation and his inability to communicate effectively with Cochise directly contributed to the escalation of violence.

Legacy and Lessons Learned

The Apache Wars ended in 1886 with the surrender of Geronimo, another prominent Apache leader, marking the end of an era and the subjugation of the Apache tribes. The conflicts forever changed the lives of both Native Americans and the settlers, with profound and lasting effects on their communities and cultures.

George Bascom's role in this chapter of history is often overshadowed by the larger-than-life figures of Cochise and Geronimo. However, his actions serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of hasty judgments and the importance of understanding the complexities of cultural and historical contexts.

Today, the legacy of the Apache Wars serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of the Apache people, who continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage despite the immense challenges they have faced. It is also a reminder of the need for empathy, understanding, and open dialogue in the face of conflict and cultural clashes.

As we reflect on the untold story of George Bascom, Cochise, and the start of the Apache Wars, let us strive to learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a future where understanding and respect prevail.

The Black Legend: George Bascom, Cochise, and the Start of the Apache Wars

by Doug Hocking (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17189 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In 1861, war between the United States and the Chiricahua seemed inevitable. The Apache band lived on a heavily traveled Emigrant and Overland Mail Trail and routinely raided it, organized by their leader, the prudent, not friendly Cochise. When a young boy was kidnapped from his stepfather’s ranch, Lieutenant George Bascom confronted Cochise even though there was no proof that the Chiricahua were responsible. After a series of missteps, Cochise exacted a short-lived revenge. Despite modern accounts based on spurious evidence, Bascom’s performance in a difficult situation was admirable. This book examines the legend and provides a new analysis of Bascom’s and Cochise’s behavior, putting it in the larger context of the Indian Wars that followed the American Civil War.