Nana (Apache warrior)
Nana was a prominent Apache warrior known for his leadership and resilience during a tumultuous period in Apache history, particularly in the late 19th century. He was closely allied with the notable Apache leader Victorio and actively opposed the forced removal of his people to reservations. Nana was one of the few survivors of the devastating 1880 massacre of Victorio's group in the Sierra Madre mountains. Following this tragedy, he took on a leadership role and led a series of raids in New Mexico from 1881 to 1882, becoming known for his tactical skill and ability to inspire others.
In 1883, Nana surrendered to General George Crook but continued to resist confinement by breaking away from the San Carlos reservation in 1885. His subsequent actions led to further conflicts, culminating in negotiations for his return to the reservation, which were ultimately violated. After facing capture and imprisonment in Florida, Nana survived until his return to Oklahoma, where he passed away around 1895 or 1896. His final resting place is in the Apache cemetery near Fort Sill. Nana's life exemplifies the struggles and resistance of the Apache people during a period of significant upheaval and change.
Nana (Apache warrior‗
- Born: c. 1810
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Died: May 19, 1896
- Place of death: Fort Sill, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Tribal affiliation: Chiricahua Apache
Significance: Nana was said to have had the longest fighting career of any Apache warrior
Nana, who married Geronimo’s sister, Nah-dos-te, was closely allied with Victorio in fighting removal to reservations. Nana was one of only seventeen Apaches to escape the 1880 massacre of Victorio and his people living in the Sierre Madre. The scalps of 62 warriors and 16 women and children earned the Mexican force under Colonel Terrazas $50,000. The Mexican force sold an additional 68 women and children into slavery. Nana, then seventy years old, gathered the survivors and stepped into the leadership role.
From July of 1881 through the next year, Nana terrorized New Mexico. After surrendering to General George Crook’s forces in May, 1883, Nana and about 320 Apaches were marched from Sierre Madre to San Carlos. In May, 1885, Nana and about 140 Chiricahuas broke away from the reservation once more. Their flight into Mexico and subsequent raids ended March 25, 1886, when the leaders negotiated with Crook to return to the reservation. The terms of surrender were violated, and Crook resigned. Over the next four months, five thousand men were employed to “capture or destroy” 38 Chiricahuas. Removed as a prisoner to Florida, Nana survived captivity to return to Oklahoma, where he died, probably in 1895 or 1896. He was buried in the Apache cemetery near Fort Sill.