Eskiminzin (chief)
Eskiminzin was a prominent leader among the Apache, specifically recognized as the principal chief of the Aravaipa Apache after marrying into the tribe. His people, known for their peaceful lifestyle as agave farmers, faced significant challenges during the Apache Wars. In 1871, seeking safety, Eskiminzin led his community to Camp Grant near Tucson, where they were allowed to settle temporarily by military authorities, thus avoiding forced relocation to a reservation. However, the situation turned tragic when local settlers retaliated against Apache raids, leading to the Camp Grant Massacre, where approximately 150 members of Eskiminzin's band, including family, were killed. Following this incident, Eskiminzin faced ongoing arrests and hostility, yet he continued to advocate for peace. In 1886, he traveled to Washington, D.C., for negotiations, but his efforts were met with further challenges, including imprisonment in Florida and Alabama. Eskiminzin's legacy reflects the complex dynamics of peacebuilding and conflict during a tumultuous period for the Apache people, highlighting his role as both a leader and a scapegoat amidst growing tensions with settler populations.
Eskiminzin (chief)
Category: Chief
Tribal affiliation: Apache
Significance: Although a proponent of peace, Eskiminzin was victimized by white settlers seeking retaliation for Apache raids
Born a Pinal Apache, Eskiminzin married an Aravaipa Apache, eventually becoming the Aravaipa principal chief. During the Apache wars, Eskiminzin’s people were peaceful agave farmers. Seeking asylum, in 1871 Eskiminzin led his people to Camp Grant near Tucson, where Lieutenant Royal Whitman allowed them to settle rather than forcing their relocation to a reservation.
In retaliation for Apache raids in March and April, 1871, Tucson settlers assaulted Eskiminzin’s band. In what became known as the Camp Grant Massacre, 150 Apache, including eight members of Eskiminzin’s family, were murdered. After the raiders were tried and acquitted, Apache hostility escalated. Thereafter, Eskiminzin was arrested on several occasions; each time he escaped or was released after brief incarcerations. In 1886, at the cessation of hostilities, he traveled to Washington, D.C., for negotiations. He was again arrested in 1888 and was imprisoned in Florida and Alabama; returning home in 1888, he died shortly thereafter. Although he counseled peace, Eskiminzin frequently was a scapegoat for white anger—a convenient target, though an innocent one.