Cherry Creek campaign facts for kids
The Sign Language by Frederic Remington shows an Apache scout and a Buffalo soldier during the Apache campaign in 1889.
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| Date | March 2–7, 1890 |
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| Location | near Globe, Arizona |
| Outcome | Apaches defeated 2 killed 1 wounded 3 captured |
The Cherry Creek campaign was a short but important conflict in March 1890. It was one of the last fights between some Apache groups and the United States Army. This event started after a small group of Apaches attacked a wagon driver near the San Carlos Reservation. It was part of a bigger effort by the army to find Apaches who had left their reservations since 1889. The American army had a small battle with these Apaches near Globe, Arizona. This happened at the mouth of Cherry Creek. Two Apaches were killed and three others were captured. Two soldiers later received the Medal of Honor for their bravery during this campaign.
Contents
Why the Cherry Creek Campaign Happened
After Geronimo gave up in 1886, most Apache people were sent to places like Florida or Alabama. They were held as prisoners of war. Only a few Apache Scouts and some small Apache groups stayed in the Southwest. One famous Apache was known as the Apache Kid. He had been an army scout.
The Apache Kid and Other Groups
In 1889, the Apache Kid was arrested near Globe, Arizona. He was going to be sent to prison. But he and some followers escaped while being moved. They caused trouble and harmed people. Because of this, the U.S. Army started an operation. Their goal was to catch the Apache Kid and other Apaches who were not on reservations.
Other small Apache groups were also active. One of these was led by Massai, another former Apache scout. Massai was thought to be responsible for many incidents in Arizona. These were often blamed on the Apache Kid.
The Start of the Campaign
On March 2, 1890, a group of five Apaches attacked a wagon driver named Herbert. They took two horses. This happened about ten miles west of Fort Thomas. Fort Thomas was home to Troop K of the 10th Cavalry. These soldiers were known as Buffalo Soldiers. They were led by Lieutenant Powhatan Clarke. Lieutenant Clarke had received a Medal of Honor for his service in Geronimo's War.
The Army's Pursuit
When the army heard about the attack, Lieutenant Clarke was given orders. Major General Benjamin Grierson told him to take ten men. Their mission was to "capture or destroy the murderers." At the attack site, Clarke's cavalrymen met Lieutenant James Watson and some 4th Cavalry soldiers. They also joined some Apache scouts.
Following the Trail
The Apache scouts found hoofprints and a trail. It led northwest towards the Salt River. General Grierson said they "followed [the trail] for several days and nights." They went over "rough, broken mountains and plains of Arizona." The soldiers and scouts started to run low on food. A kind rancher gave them a cow, coffee, and salt.
Later, Sergeant Alexander Cheatham brought more supplies. He led reinforcements from San Carlos. He brought a wagon and mules packed with food. Sergeant Cheatham was a veteran of the American Civil War. He had spent over twenty years on the frontier. He was able to track the other soldiers over difficult land in the dark.
The Battle at Cherry Creek
The expedition finally caught up with the Apaches on March 7. They were in a canyon of the Salt River. This was about 200 miles from Fort Thomas. It was also about thirty miles northeast of Globe. The land in the canyon became very rough. The Apaches had to continue fleeing on foot. The Apache scouts were told to get off their horses. They went ahead to try and draw the Apaches into a fight.
The chase through the canyon was very dangerous. At some points, the scouts had to crawl through narrow passages. They were carefully following the Apaches' footprints. The cavalrymen waited at the river to water their horses. Around noon, the scouts found the Apaches. This happened near the mouth of Cherry Creek.
Lieutenants Clarke and Watson heard the gunshots from the river. They quickly moved towards the sound. Clarke remembered feeling "a calm chill looking for a live Indian with a gun down in one of these great canyons." Soon, the cavalrymen were also under fire. They helped the scouts trap the Apaches. The Apaches were caught in a "three-sided tangle of boulders."
The Apache fugitives fought hard. But they were forced to retreat into a "shallow cave." The soldiers and scouts surrounded them. In the cave, the Apaches were safe from direct gunfire. So, "one of the sergeants, an excellent shot," began "firing against a rock almost in front of their cave." This caused "lead and splintered rock" to hit their faces. When the soldiers and scouts got within fifty yards of the cave, they prepared to charge. But the Apaches decided to surrender. They had lost three men killed or wounded out of five.
What Happened Next
Four men from the 10th Cavalry, 4th Cavalry, and the Apache scouts were recognized for their actions. Some received medals. Sergeant William McBryar of the 10th Cavalry, Sergeant Rowdy of the Apache scouts, and Sergeant James T. Daniels of the 4th Cavalry received the Medal of Honor. McBryar earned his for his "coolness, bravery and marksmanship." He and Rowdy were the last Medal of Honor recipients for service during the Apache Wars.
General Grierson praised the mission. He said it was "one of the most brilliant affairs of its kind." He believed it would teach the Apaches at San Carlos Agency a lasting lesson. He congratulated the officers and troops. He said their "persistent pursuit and complete success" was excellent. He recommended that the officers receive promotions and the enlisted men receive medals.
Even though five Apaches were captured, the army's search for others continued. The Apache Kid was still free. On March 10, just three days after the Cherry Creek fight, General Grierson took more action. He "authorized the arrest and removal of seventy-six Indians." These were relatives and friends of the Apache Kid. They were known to support the fugitives.
General Grierson reported that this was a safety measure. He asked for his actions to be approved. He also asked for arrangements for their care. They were sent to Fort Union under guard. Later, twelve Apache children were chosen from this group. They were sent to the Kamona Indian school in Santa Fe. The rest eventually went to live at Mount Vernon Barracks in Alabama. They joined other Apache prisoners there.
Images for kids
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The Sign Language by Frederic Remington shows an Apache scout and a Buffalo soldier during the Apache campaign in 1889.
