John Rope facts for kids

John Rope (born Tlodilhil, which means Black Rope) was an important White Mountain Apache leader and Apache scout. He was born around 1855 or 1863 and lived until August 8, 1944. Rope was born near Old Summit and Black River in Arizona. However, he remembered growing up near Cedar Creek, which is close to Fort Apache. His father, Nayundiie, was also a White Mountain Apache leader. John Rope was also the foster brother of Mickey Free.

Becoming an Apache Scout

When John Rope was in his early twenties, around the mid-1870s, he decided to join the army as a scout. He traveled to San Carlos with his brother and other Apache and Yavapai people. They even shared a horse to get there! Rope explained that he joined the army to help bring peace and protect people during the Apache Wars. He served as a scout for a famous military leader, General George Crook.

Important Missions

As an Apache scout, John Rope took part in many important missions. One time, he tried to arrest a Western Apache chief named Casador. Casador had caused trouble, and during the attempt to capture him, another Apache scout was sadly killed.

Rope was also with General Crook when they captured a leader named Chihuahua in the Sierra Madres mountains. John Rope later shared his memories of these events in interviews with a person named Grenville Goodwin.

A Honored Life

John Rope was a respected figure throughout his life. After he passed away on August 8, 1944, he was buried in Bylas, Arizona. He received a full military honors burial from the U.S. Army scouts from Fort Huachuca. This was a very special honor, as he was the first Apache scout to receive such a burial.

Images for kids

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  Rope with two US army personnel (date unknown)