Skeleton Canyon facts for kids
Skeleton Canyon is a famous place located about 30 kilometers northeast of Douglas, Arizona. It's nestled in the Peloncillo Mountains, which stretch across the border between Arizona and New Mexico, in a part of New Mexico known as the New Mexico Bootheel.
This canyon connects the Animas Valley in New Mexico with the San Simon Valley in Arizona. Long ago, it was a major pathway between the United States and Mexico. People used it for both legal trade and other activities. The canyon was originally called Cañon Bonita by the Mexicans, meaning "Beautiful Canyon." However, it later became known as Skeleton Canyon because of the many bones of cows and people left behind from cattle drives coming from Mexico.
Important Events in Skeleton Canyon
Skeleton Canyon was the setting for several important events during the time of the American Old West. Many conflicts and historical moments happened here.
Early Conflicts
The canyon saw several fights and disagreements. In 1879, groups of bandits sometimes fought with Mexican law enforcement officers, taking their cattle. In July 1881, a famous outlaw named Curly Bill Brocius and his group had a conflict with people carrying valuable silver. In response, Mexican forces later fought against another group, including Newman Haynes Clanton, in a nearby canyon called Guadalupe Canyon. In 1883, Apache warriors from Chihuahua's band surprised soldiers, leading to a fight where some soldiers were lost, and supplies and horses were taken.
Geronimo's Last Stand
One of the most famous events in Skeleton Canyon's history is the final surrender of the Apache leader Geronimo. He surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles on September 4, 1886. This important moment happened at the western edge of the canyon.
Today, the exact surrender spot is on private land. However, a special monument has been placed nearby. You can find it northwest along SR 80, where it meets Skeleton Canyon Road in Arizona. The mouth of the canyon itself is about 9.5 miles to the southeast, just west of the Arizona – New Mexico border.
