Victorio (1825-1880)

Victorio: Prominent Apache Chief and Fierce Warrior (1825-1880)

Victorio was a renowned Apache chief who grew up in the Cheyenne band. It is speculated that he or his band had Navajo kinship ties and was known among the Navajo as "he who checks his horse." Victorio's sister was the famous woman warrior Lozen, also known as the "Dextrous Horse Thief."

In 1853, Victorio was recognized as a chief or sub-chief by the United States Army and signed a document. In his twenties, he rode alongside Mangas Coloradas, leader of the Coppermine band of the Tchihendeh people, Cuchillo Negro, leader of the Warm Springs band, and other Apache leaders, such as Nana, Delgadito, Cochise, Juh, and Geronimo. Mangas Coloradas taught Victorio strategies for ambushing enemies and waiting for them to enter the killing zone.

Victorio became the leader of a large mixed band of Mimbreños and Mescaleros and fought against the United States Army. From 1870 to 1880, he and his band were moved between different reservations, despite their requests to live on traditional lands. Victorio, along with other Mimbreños, was moved to the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona Territory in 1877. He and his followers left the reservation twice, eventually starting Victorio's War.

Victorio was successful at raiding and evading capture by the military, winning significant engagements like the one at Las Animas Canyon. In April 1880, Victorio led the Alma Massacre – a raid on United States settlers' homes around Alma, New Mexico, where 41 settlers were killed. Victorio's warriors were eventually driven off by the arrival of American soldiers from Fort Bayard.

Victorio's last stand and death occurred on October 14, 1880, in the Tres Castillos mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico. He and his band were surrounded by Mexican troops led by Colonel Joaquin Terrazas. Victorio was killed in battle, along with many of his warriors, while a few survivors were captured. His death marked the end of his legendary leadership and fighting spirit, leaving an enduring legacy as a prominent figure in Native American history.

 

"When a child my mother taught me the legends of our people; taught me of the sun and sky, the moon and stars, the clouds and storms. She also taught me to kneel and pray to Usen for strength, health, wisdom, and protection. We never prayed against any person, but if we had aught against any individual we ourselves took vengeance. We were taught that Usen does not care for the petty quarrels of men." - Geronimo [Goyathlay], Chiracahua Apache

"I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds and sheltered by the trees as other Indian babes. I can go everywhere with a good feeling.”

- Geronimo [Goyathlay], Chiracahua Apache

... sometimes we prayed in silence, sometimes each prayed aloud, sometimes an aged person prayed for all of us. At other times one would rise and speak to us of our duties to each other and to Usen. Our services were short.
—Geronimo (1829 - 1909), Chiricahua Apache