K H Butte
K H Butte
1881 -- Apache Outbreak
The Chiricahua Apaches fought at K-H Butte and exhibited true Apache warfare; planning an ambush and then withdrawing to high ground. They were able to hold their position against a unit of the Sixth Cavalry. This was almost unprecedented for the Apaches.
Following the Cibecue uprising in 1881, White Mountain Apaches moved to the San Carlos Reservation near Fort Thomas. With Geronimo, Nachez, Juh, George and Bonito already there, the Chiricachuas were able to join forces.
This battle may have had to do with an arrest and relocation of a band of White Mountain Apaches. A large number of Apache warriors fled the reservation. while being pursued by the Sixth Cavalry, the Apaches traveled through Cedar Springs by the Graham Mountains attacking a freighter train killing a number of people. It was difficult for the military, as it was necessary for them to travel across open ground enabling the Apache to hold their ground on the hill of K-H Butte. By withdrawing to high ground they were able to delay long enough to have the women and children escape and then head south to Mexico after dark without any losses to their Apache tribe.
Referencing: 'The Battle at K-H Butte ~ Apache Outbreak -- 1881: Arizona Territory' by Larry L. Ludwig and James L. Stute, Copyright 1993, Westernlore Press, Tucson, Arizona.
For additional information: 'The Great Escape: The Apache Outbreak of 1881' by Charles Collins, Copyright 1994, Westernlore Press, Tucson, Arizona.
Cedar Springs 1881 Apache Outbreak & Samaniego Freight Train Massacre
The Chiricahua Apaches fought at K-H Butte and exhibited true Apache warfare; planning an ambush and then withdrawing to high ground. They were able to hold their position against a unit of the Sixth Cavalry. This was almost unprecedented for the Apaches.
Following the Cibecue uprising in 1881, White Mountain Apaches moved to the San Carlos Reservation near Fort Thomas. With Geronimo, Nachez, Juh, George and Bonito already there, the Chiricachuas were able to join forces.
This battle may have had to do with an arrest and relocation of a band of White Mountain Apaches. A large number of Apache warriors fled the reservation. while being pursued by the Sixth Cavalry, the Apaches traveled through Cedar Springs by the Graham Mountains attacking a freighter train killing a number of people. It was difficult for the military, as it was necessary for them to travel across open ground enabling the Apache to hold their ground on the hill of K-H Butte. By withdrawing to high ground they were able to delay long enough to have the women and children escape and then head south to Mexico after dark without any losses to their Apache tribe.
Referencing: 'The Battle at K-H Butte ~ Apache Outbreak -- 1881: Arizona Territory' by Larry L. Ludwig and James L. Stute, Copyright 1993, Westernlore Press, Tucson, Arizona.
For additional information: 'The Great Escape: The Apache Outbreak of 1881' by Charles Collins, Copyright 1994, Westernlore Press, Tucson, Arizona.
Cedar Springs 1881 Apache Outbreak & Samaniego Freight Train Massacre
GETTING THERE:
K - H BUTTE GPS Coordinates
Traveling on I-10 exiting at Wilcox Exit 340; Heading North, N 32 15.894 W 109 50.746
stay on Fort Grant Road
Left onto Bonita Road N 32 35.433 W 109 58.228
Turn Right onto Forest Road #672 N 32 37.048 W 110 03.222
Turn Left at N 32 41.462 W 110 05.154
Turn Right at N 32 42.579 W 110 05.467
As you make that right hand turn, K-H Butte should be on your right.
Breastworks N 32 42.364 W 110 05.056
IMPORTANT !! Top of K-H Butte N 32 42.620 W 110 05.130
Stay on the 'Main' Road
Every intersection is not listed; Ruins (may have nothing to do with site) N 32 42.431 W 110 06.178
but all turns are listed above.
4 x 4 Not necessary
high clearance vehicle recommended
Traveling on I-10 exiting at Wilcox Exit 340; Heading North, N 32 15.894 W 109 50.746
stay on Fort Grant Road
Left onto Bonita Road N 32 35.433 W 109 58.228
Turn Right onto Forest Road #672 N 32 37.048 W 110 03.222
Turn Left at N 32 41.462 W 110 05.154
Turn Right at N 32 42.579 W 110 05.467
As you make that right hand turn, K-H Butte should be on your right.
Breastworks N 32 42.364 W 110 05.056
IMPORTANT !! Top of K-H Butte N 32 42.620 W 110 05.130
Stay on the 'Main' Road
Every intersection is not listed; Ruins (may have nothing to do with site) N 32 42.431 W 110 06.178
but all turns are listed above.
4 x 4 Not necessary
high clearance vehicle recommended