Battle of Fort Apache facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Fort Apache
Part of Apache Wars, Geronimo's War
Fort Apache, 1873
Date September 1, 1881 Location Fort Apache, Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona Territory 33°47′28″N 109°59′20″W / 33.791°N 109.989°W / 33.791; -109.989 Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Apache
Commanders and leaders
Eugene Asa Carr	unknown
Strength
~100 cavalry, native scouts, 1 fort	~100 warriors
Casualties and losses
3 wounded	unknown

The Battle of Fort Apache was a fight during the Apache Wars. It happened on September 1, 1881. This battle took place in eastern Arizona Territory. It was between the U.S. cavalry soldiers at Fort Apache and many White Mountain Apache warriors. The U.S. soldiers won this battle.

The Battle Begins

The Apache attack on Fort Apache was a way to get back at the U.S. Army. This attack happened after a medicine man named Nochaydelklinne was killed. He died during the Battle of Cibecue Creek. Some historians think these two battles were part of the same event. However, they happened 40 miles apart. They also took place two days after each other.

The Apache warriors repeatedly attacked the fort. They used their rifles from a long distance. They fired many shots near Whiteriver, Arizona. Some of their shots hit the fort.

Apaches near Fort Apache in 1873

The U.S. cavalry and their native allies fought back. But the Apache stayed far away, at the edge of their rifle range. The battle lasted until sunset. The U.S. soldiers pushed back several Apache attacks. Only three American soldiers were hurt. We don't know how many Apache warriors were injured.

After the Battle

After Nochaydelklinne died and the fort was attacked, other Apache groups made a choice. They decided to leave their reservations. They joined Geronimo and other leaders to fight. Some also escaped to northern Mexico.

These two battles, at Cibecue Creek and Fort Apache, started another Apache war. This war was in Arizona Territory. It finally ended five years later in 1886. That's when Geronimo surrendered at Skeleton Canyon.

Images for kids

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  Fort Apache in 1873