For nearly 300 years, Apache Indians fought invasions of Spaniards, Mexicans, Comanche and white settlers. The Apache became raiders, stealing horses and ammunition to defend themselves and conduct further raids. The Mexicans consequently named them "los diablos" (the devils) and other Indian tribes call them "apache" (the enemy people.)

The Chiricahua Apache, one of the fiercest tribes, lived in the Dragoons, a dry, sandstone mountain range in what is today southeastern Arizona. It was an inhospitable landscape but a perfect hideout for the Chiricahua who took refuge amohng the shadowed cliffs. For although the Apache were efficient raiders, their many enemies were remorseless in their pursuit.

- Frank McCarthy