Dahteste facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dahteste
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Dahteste in 1886
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| Chokonen Chiricahua Apache warrior | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1860 |
| Died | 1955 (aged 94–95) Mescalero Apache Reservation, New Mexico |
| Relations | Chihuahua (brother-in-law) |
| Nickname | Mrs. Coonie |
Dahteste (born around 1860, died 1955) was a brave Apache woman warrior. She belonged to the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache people. She is remembered for her courage and important role in her community.
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Who Was Dahteste?
Dahteste was a remarkable woman from the Chokonen Apache tribe. She lived during a time of great change for Native American people. She was known for her strength and her skills as a warrior.
Her Family Life
Dahteste was related to important Apache leaders. Her sister, Ilth-goz-ay, was married to Chihuahua. Chihuahua was a chief of the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache. Even though Dahteste was married and had children, she still took part in many important activities.
A Skilled Warrior and Diplomat
When she was young, Dahteste rode with Cochise's group in Arizona. She joined raiding parties with her first husband, Ahnandia. Later, she fought alongside the famous Apache leader Geronimo. She also worked closely with another brave woman warrior named Lozen.
Dahteste was very smart and could speak English fluently. This skill made her very valuable. She often worked as a messenger and translator for the Apache people. She and Lozen also sometimes acted as trusted scouts for the U.S. Cavalry.
Her ability to speak both languages was key. She played a big part in the talks that led to Geronimo's final surrender in 1886. She helped both sides understand each other.
Life as a Prisoner
After the surrender, Dahteste became a prisoner of war. She spent eight years at Fort Marion in St. Augustine, Florida. Life there was very hard. She survived serious illnesses like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
After Florida, she was moved to a military prison at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. She spent many years in confinement there.
Later Years
Dahteste was held as a prisoner for nineteen years at Fort Sill. After her release, she moved to Whitetail. This was on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico. She lived the rest of her life there.
She married a former Apache Scout named Kuni. Dahteste chose to live in the traditional Apache way. She wore traditional clothes and refused to speak English. People on the reservation knew her as "Old Mrs. Coonie." She passed away in 1955, at a very old age.
