Victorio Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Victorio Peak |
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| Victoria Peak (historic misspelling) | |
Victorio Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,676.10 m (5,499.0 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | WSMR, New Mexico |
| Parent range | San Andres Mountains |
Victorio Peak is a tall, rocky hill in southern New Mexico. It is located within the White Sands Missile Range. This peak was a secret hideout for Chief Victorio and his Apache warriors. In 1880, a big battle happened here. Chief Victorio's Apache fighters faced off against the U.S. Army's Ninth Cavalry, also known as the "Buffalo Soldiers". Later, in the 1930s, a gold hunter named Milton "Doc" Noss claimed he found a huge hidden treasure inside the peak.
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What is Victorio Peak?
Victorio Peak is part of the San Andres Mountains. It stands in an area called the Hembrillo Basin. The peak is made of old rocks that have been shaped over millions of years. These rocks are from the Paleozoic Era, which was a very long time ago.
How the Peak Was Formed
The area around Victorio Peak, called the Tularosa Basin, was formed by big movements in the Earth's crust. The mountains here are mostly made of sedimentary rocks. These rocks were laid down in layers, like a giant sandwich. Over time, some layers wore away more easily than others. This created the stepped slopes and flat tops you can see today. These natural steps and flat areas were very useful. The Apache warriors used them to their advantage during battles.
Why is it Called Victorio Peak?
The peak is named after Chief Victorio, a famous Apache leader. This area was one of his well-known hideouts. For a while, some people in the U.S. Army mistakenly called it Victoria Peak. They thought it was named after Queen Victoria.
But a reporter named Howard Bryan, from the Albuquerque Tribune, did some careful research. He found the true story. He linked Chief Victorio to the Battle of Hembrillo Basin. This proved the peak was indeed named after the brave Apache chief.
The Battle of Hembrillo Basin
The Battle of Hembrillo Basin was an important fight in 1880. It happened between parts of the United States Army and the Chiricahua and Mescalero Apache people. Chief Victorio led the Apache warriors.
During the battle, Chief Victorio's forces trapped a small group of American soldiers. But when more American soldiers arrived, Victorio and his warriors skillfully pulled back from the battlefield. This battle is a key part of the peak's history.
The Mystery of the Victorio Peak Treasure
For many years, stories have been told about a huge treasure hidden inside Victorio Peak. Some people believe the treasure came from Spanish missionaries in the 1700s. Others think it might have been wealth taken from Mexico during the time of Emperor Maximilian.
One of the most famous claims came from Milton Ernest "Doc" Noss. He was a gold prospector who said he found the treasure in the late 1930s. Sadly, he was later killed by someone he knew.
Years after Doc Noss passed away, his wife, Ova, tried to get access to the cave. She believed she had a right to the treasure inside. She even took her case to the military. However, despite all the efforts and claims, the alleged treasure has never been officially found. The mystery of Victorio Peak's hidden riches continues to this day.
