Battle of the Florida Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of the Florida Mountains |
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| Part of the American Civil War Apache Wars |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Confederate States |
Apache | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Thomas J. Mastin |
Mangas Coloradas, Cochise |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 35 militia | ~100 warriors | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| none | None | ||||||
The Battle of the Florida Mountains was a fight during the Apache Wars. It happened in August 1861. This battle involved Chiricahua Apache warriors and soldiers from the Confederate States. The fight took place in a mountain pass in the Florida Mountains. This area was then called Confederate Arizona. Today, it is in southwestern New Mexico.
Why the Battle Happened
Mangas Coloradas was a powerful chief of the Gila River Apaches. He often fought against Confederate soldiers in Arizona. The Arizona Guards were a group of Confederate soldiers. They started their service on August 1, 1861.
In early August, a group of people called the Ake Party were traveling. They were moving from Tucson to the Rio Grande river. Many of them had left their town of Tubac. This was after a siege at their old fort.
By mid-August, they were close to the river. Suddenly, Apache warriors attacked them. This attack is known as the Battle of Cookes Canyon. The Apaches stole many animals, like cattle. News of this attack and the stolen animals reached the Arizona Guards. This led to their involvement in the fight against the Apaches.
The Battle Begins
Captain Thomas J. Mastin led the Arizona Guards. When he heard about the Ake Party's trouble, he knew what to do. He decided not to chase the Apaches at night. Chasing them in the dark could lead to his own men being ambushed.
Captain Mastin ordered his men to start the chase the next morning. He did not go to Cook Canyon. Instead, he had a good idea where the Apaches were going. He believed they would head for the passes in the Florida Mountains. These mountains were near the Mexican border. Mastin knew the Apaches could not move fast with so many stolen animals.
The captain and 35 of his men reached the mountains early the next day. They waited in the foothills. Soon, their lookouts reported that the Apache warriors were coming.
The Fight and Outcome
The Arizonans quickly attacked the Apaches as they entered the mountain pass. A running fight began. The Apaches were forced to retreat. Most of the stolen animals were taken back. About eight Apache warriors were killed. The Confederate forces had no losses.
The Arizona Guards chased the Apaches back to Cooke's Canyon. The Apaches tried to gather their forces there. A small fight happened, but no one was hurt on either side. The Apaches then went back to their safe places in northern Mexico.
What Happened Next
Governor John R. Baylor heard about the Arizona Guard's win. But this success was soon overshadowed. Within ten days, two other battles were lost to Mescalero Apaches. These fights happened near Fort Davis, Texas. Governor Baylor's men were not involved in those battles.
Captain Mastin continued to lead the Arizona Guards. He later led them to victory at the Battle of Pinos Altos. Sadly, he was badly wounded in that battle and died.
