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Riding With Cochise: The Apache Story of America’s Longest War
Riding With Cochise brings the violent drama of the American Southwest to life through the eyes of the legendary Apache chieftain Cochise and three other tribal leaders, Geronimo, Victorio, and Mangas Coloradas. Relying largely on the oral histories told by relatives of these great warriors as well as personal diaries of others who were involved, veteran author Steve Price takes the reader deep into the Cochise Stronghold, through Massacre Canyon, and across Apache Pass. You’ll sit beside the campfires of Tom Jeffords, the only white man Cochise ever fully trusted, and touch the faded stone walls of Fort Craig, the rock cairns at Dragoon Springs, and the magnificent cottonwoods at Ojo Caliente. You’ll be with General George Crook and Lt. Charles Gatewood as they pursue Geronimo through New Mexico, Arizona and even into Mexico’s Sierra Madre, and learn how a handful of Apache warriors could disappear into open desert, ride and sleep on horseback, and outwit thousands of American and Mexican troops for months at a time. Thoroughly researched and written in the author’s easy but fast-paced story-telling style, Riding With Cochise presents a sweeping history of how one Native American tribe fought desperately to keep its land and its culture in the face of America’s westward expansion known as Manifest Destiny, then spent 27 years in exile and captivity before finally being allowed to return to their beloved homeland.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2023
This ebook edition was received compliments of NetGalley. In exchange, the author agreed to provide an unbiased review. It follows.
Four Indian chiefs of the American Southwest were highlighted in this epic narrative: Cochise, Geronimo, Victorio and Mangas Coloradas. There were many others, but these four were the most deserving of attention.
Indian agent, Tom Jeffords, worked hand-in-hand with Cochise, a Chiricahua Apache, to keep the peace. It was reported that he was the only known white man to have ever gained the chief's trust, a great feat by itself. In fact, they maintained a lasting friendship. In recognition of these epic times, a popular western TV series was aired, Broken Arrow. In partially keeping with historic value, the Indian Agent's name on the show was also Tom Jeffords. His role was to act as liaison with the Americans to see that food was given out, treaties were decided upon and peace was preserved. I digress.
Unfortunately, as history has shown us, there were only brief periods of peace followed by relentless, savage fighting with our Native Americans. Sad. The storyline of this book detailed the incidents of most notoriety, ranging from the mid until the latter part of the 19th century.
The countless injustices rained down upon the American Indians were merciless. Let this book stand as a stark reminder of the horrible cruelty dealt to our early settlers by the hands of a heartless bureaucracy. In payment of their ultimate sacrifice - we shall never forget.
Four Indian chiefs of the American Southwest were highlighted in this epic narrative: Cochise, Geronimo, Victorio and Mangas Coloradas. There were many others, but these four were the most deserving of attention.
Indian agent, Tom Jeffords, worked hand-in-hand with Cochise, a Chiricahua Apache, to keep the peace. It was reported that he was the only known white man to have ever gained the chief's trust, a great feat by itself. In fact, they maintained a lasting friendship. In recognition of these epic times, a popular western TV series was aired, Broken Arrow. In partially keeping with historic value, the Indian Agent's name on the show was also Tom Jeffords. His role was to act as liaison with the Americans to see that food was given out, treaties were decided upon and peace was preserved. I digress.
Unfortunately, as history has shown us, there were only brief periods of peace followed by relentless, savage fighting with our Native Americans. Sad. The storyline of this book detailed the incidents of most notoriety, ranging from the mid until the latter part of the 19th century.
The countless injustices rained down upon the American Indians were merciless. Let this book stand as a stark reminder of the horrible cruelty dealt to our early settlers by the hands of a heartless bureaucracy. In payment of their ultimate sacrifice - we shall never forget.
April 26, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. While the title is "Riding With Cochise." the book details many of the important elements of the later lives of both Cochise and Geronimo. What's particularly fascinating is that the author traveled along those same paths, describing in detail the things both Cochise and Geronimo. The author does meander between being a tour guide and presenting the history, but I feel I have a better appreciation for the lives of both men.
November 11, 2023
Using oral histories told by relatives of the legendary Apache warriors Cochise, Geronimo, Victorio, and Mangas Coloradas as well as the personal diaries of others who were involved, author Steve Price paints a vivid and memorable portrait of a people.
"The Apache sense of place was essentially their culture." They worshiped one god-- Ussen-- who made them caretakers of the Earth, and if they did not care for it properly, it would be taken from them. They knew their homeland so intimately it was the major reason why they were able to hold off thousands of soldiers in America's longest war. For example, during one time period, Geronimo, along with thirty-four men, women, and children outran and outfought 5,000 American and 3,000 Mexican soldiers.
Even though so much Apache history has been wiped clean from their ancestral lands, Price includes many historic places (and the directions to them) that readers can visit. I was pleased to see that I'd been to most of the Arizona locations such as Cochise Stronghold, the Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie, the Butterfield Overland Trail, and Skeleton Canyon.
But while my knowledge of the area greatly enhanced my enjoyment of Riding with Cochise, it was the history of the Apaches themselves that was vital. I learned so much about Cochise, Mangas Coloradas, Victorio, and Geronimo-- leaders known by their Spanish names because their actual names were too difficult for the Mexicans and Americans to pronounce.
The Apache leaders were honorable men. They wanted peace and did their best to achieve it. They upheld all the terms of any treaties they agreed to. However, it was impossible to trust those with whom they signed agreements. An American Army officer ordered one Apache leader to be murdered, and the Mexicans loved to bring the Apaches in under a flag of truce to then massacre them and collect the bounties on their scalps. No wonder the Apache fought so hard.
Riding with Cochise is a fast-paced, informative history of the American Southwest. The next time I'm traveling in southeastern Arizona, I'll have an even greater appreciation of the Apache, their history, and their homeland.
"The Apache sense of place was essentially their culture." They worshiped one god-- Ussen-- who made them caretakers of the Earth, and if they did not care for it properly, it would be taken from them. They knew their homeland so intimately it was the major reason why they were able to hold off thousands of soldiers in America's longest war. For example, during one time period, Geronimo, along with thirty-four men, women, and children outran and outfought 5,000 American and 3,000 Mexican soldiers.
Even though so much Apache history has been wiped clean from their ancestral lands, Price includes many historic places (and the directions to them) that readers can visit. I was pleased to see that I'd been to most of the Arizona locations such as Cochise Stronghold, the Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie, the Butterfield Overland Trail, and Skeleton Canyon.
But while my knowledge of the area greatly enhanced my enjoyment of Riding with Cochise, it was the history of the Apaches themselves that was vital. I learned so much about Cochise, Mangas Coloradas, Victorio, and Geronimo-- leaders known by their Spanish names because their actual names were too difficult for the Mexicans and Americans to pronounce.
The Apache leaders were honorable men. They wanted peace and did their best to achieve it. They upheld all the terms of any treaties they agreed to. However, it was impossible to trust those with whom they signed agreements. An American Army officer ordered one Apache leader to be murdered, and the Mexicans loved to bring the Apaches in under a flag of truce to then massacre them and collect the bounties on their scalps. No wonder the Apache fought so hard.
Riding with Cochise is a fast-paced, informative history of the American Southwest. The next time I'm traveling in southeastern Arizona, I'll have an even greater appreciation of the Apache, their history, and their homeland.
March 4, 2025
History in the making ….. awesome read!
Some of which we learned in school but definitely a lot more to tell….
Some of which we learned in school but definitely a lot more to tell….
May 22, 2023
This admirable book is an easily read, well presented account of the many wars, treacheries, misunderstandings and long friendships involved in conflicts in the now American Southwest. The new settlers were first fur trappers, then miners and traders. The trappers, such as Tom Jeffords, mostly lived equably with Apache peoples, who were composed of several small tribes, named for aspects of the landscape where they lived. The Apaches were hunter-gatherers, who cherished the environment. But miners especially kept destroying the land in pursuit of gold or copper.
The mule trains taking ingots of copper down to Mexico to be sold to make coinage, could contain a hundred mules. This was a regular occurrence and the ground still yields copper today in vast open-pit mining. Meanwhile, the war over once-Mexican lands was fought, the farming settlers pushed forward and forts and stages were established; and the Apache were in the middle of this, pushed from one reservation or mountain refuge to another. Personal memories, told to the author, are retold.
I like the regular inclusion of photos, either museum pieces from both sides - some chieftains were not photographed so their sons, with wives, in some cases, are shown - or the modern landscape. The author concludes each section by giving a short guide to what we can visit today, to follow the footsteps of history. Indeed, I almost felt cold on my spine looking at some of his photos of the scene of such a meeting or ambush. The past did not go anywhere. The past is here.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The mule trains taking ingots of copper down to Mexico to be sold to make coinage, could contain a hundred mules. This was a regular occurrence and the ground still yields copper today in vast open-pit mining. Meanwhile, the war over once-Mexican lands was fought, the farming settlers pushed forward and forts and stages were established; and the Apache were in the middle of this, pushed from one reservation or mountain refuge to another. Personal memories, told to the author, are retold.
I like the regular inclusion of photos, either museum pieces from both sides - some chieftains were not photographed so their sons, with wives, in some cases, are shown - or the modern landscape. The author concludes each section by giving a short guide to what we can visit today, to follow the footsteps of history. Indeed, I almost felt cold on my spine looking at some of his photos of the scene of such a meeting or ambush. The past did not go anywhere. The past is here.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
October 18, 2023
In this commendable book, the author takes readers on an easily digestible journey through the tumultuous history of conflicts in the American Southwest. With a well-presented narrative, the story unravels the intricate web of wars, betrayals, misunderstandings, and enduring friendships that characterized the region's transformation.
The narrative begins with the arrival of new settlers, initially comprised of fur trappers, miners, and traders. Notably, fur trappers like Tom Jeffords managed to coexist peacefully with the Apache people, a collection of small tribes named after the unique landscapes they inhabited. The Apache, being hunter-gatherers who revered the environment, found common ground with these early settlers. However, the arrival of miners, driven by their relentless pursuit of gold and copper, marked a turning point, as they wreaked havoc on the land.
The book vividly portrays the era's mining operations, with mule trains carrying ingots of copper down to Mexico, sometimes consisting of up to a hundred mules. These trains became a regular occurrence, and the scars of open-pit mining still mar the landscape today. Simultaneously, the conflicts over once-Mexican territories escalated, as farming settlers pushed forward, forts and stages were established, and the Apache people found themselves caught in the crossfire, repeatedly displaced from one reservation or mountain refuge to another.
Reading this book, I almost felt transported to the very sites of significant meetings and ambushes, a testament to the author's skillful storytelling. The past, it becomes clear, has never truly vanished; it lingers in the air, waiting to be explored and understood.
In summary, "A History of Southwest Conflicts" is a captivating account of the region's complex history. While it doesn't delve into an overly detailed analysis, it serves as a valuable introduction to the subject, aided by the inclusion of striking photographs. If you're intrigued by the American Southwest's rich history and its interplay of cultures, this book is an excellent starting point. I read an e-ARC from Net Galley, and this review is offered without bias.
The narrative begins with the arrival of new settlers, initially comprised of fur trappers, miners, and traders. Notably, fur trappers like Tom Jeffords managed to coexist peacefully with the Apache people, a collection of small tribes named after the unique landscapes they inhabited. The Apache, being hunter-gatherers who revered the environment, found common ground with these early settlers. However, the arrival of miners, driven by their relentless pursuit of gold and copper, marked a turning point, as they wreaked havoc on the land.
The book vividly portrays the era's mining operations, with mule trains carrying ingots of copper down to Mexico, sometimes consisting of up to a hundred mules. These trains became a regular occurrence, and the scars of open-pit mining still mar the landscape today. Simultaneously, the conflicts over once-Mexican territories escalated, as farming settlers pushed forward, forts and stages were established, and the Apache people found themselves caught in the crossfire, repeatedly displaced from one reservation or mountain refuge to another.
Reading this book, I almost felt transported to the very sites of significant meetings and ambushes, a testament to the author's skillful storytelling. The past, it becomes clear, has never truly vanished; it lingers in the air, waiting to be explored and understood.
In summary, "A History of Southwest Conflicts" is a captivating account of the region's complex history. While it doesn't delve into an overly detailed analysis, it serves as a valuable introduction to the subject, aided by the inclusion of striking photographs. If you're intrigued by the American Southwest's rich history and its interplay of cultures, this book is an excellent starting point. I read an e-ARC from Net Galley, and this review is offered without bias.
July 30, 2024
There is a tremendous amount of information and detail included in this book, about the four greatest Apache Chiefs (or in the case of Geronimo, Medicine Man) and their US Army opponents. This is a concise, fascinating and important work that clearly shows that most of the “trouble with the Apache” was the fault of intolerant, cruel and untrustworthy Army leadership.
Steve Price’s story and research were excellent, but his publisher, Skyhorse Publishing, let him down with a terrible job of editing. Not only spelling errors (actually correct spelling of the wrong words), but failing to assist with timelines and flow made it more confusing to follow. A few well placed maps of Apacheria would have made a tremendous impact.
This could have been easily done, since Apacheria is not that large: a region extending from north of the Arkansas River into what are now the northern states of Mexico and from Central Texas through New Mexico to Central Arizona.
Steve Price’s story and research were excellent, but his publisher, Skyhorse Publishing, let him down with a terrible job of editing. Not only spelling errors (actually correct spelling of the wrong words), but failing to assist with timelines and flow made it more confusing to follow. A few well placed maps of Apacheria would have made a tremendous impact.
This could have been easily done, since Apacheria is not that large: a region extending from north of the Arkansas River into what are now the northern states of Mexico and from Central Texas through New Mexico to Central Arizona.
March 3, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an informative read yet sadly highlights the injustices done to Native Americans. This book tells about mainly the Apache and 4 of the leaders. If the government hadn’t broken or gone back on treaties and given the Native Americans the real value of what the land was worth instead of trying to cheat them out of land; I think there may not have been so many clashes between Native Americans,military and civilians ending in bloodshed. Sadly many Indian agents that oversaw the reservations were crooked and tried to cheat the Native Americans. There were a few agents that did try to do their job and help on the reservations.
July 10, 2024
A very good book, but I had two problems with it. While they weren't major problems, and may be due to personal bias, I consider them worth mentioning.. First, the title is misleading, as only a small fraction of the book deals with Cochise. It did deal with the prolonged war as the Apache tried to protect their lands from the Americans, but Cochise was only small, although important, part of that war. Second, and more important, I didn't care for the way it was organized. Instead of putting everything together in a consistent line of happenings it jumped from place to place, person to person, and event to event. This lead to a considerable amount of uneeded and tedious repetion. It remained a very good book and well worth reading.
January 1, 2024
3.5 Stars. I rounded to 4 because for those who are looking for a quick read on the Apache Wars, this one sets the groundwork. You will become familiar with some of the impressive warriors during this time period. Coloradas, Chochise, Victorio, and a name most all remember, Geronimo. Steve Price presents a nice fastpace book touching on the lives of each of these warriors along with the commanders and those they had confrontations with. He also follows each section with a quick guide to finding the locations and parks associated with each chapter. Of course, if you want a detailed story, you will want to pursue many of the wondful books available.
November 6, 2023
I became more aware of the Apache war era when we visited Arizona and the Chiricahua Monument and then the lower section of New Mexico with Gila and Silver City areas. So I found this book on the New book shelf area and checked it out. Beautifully photographed in color with great quality of paper - a classy printing job. Also well written and looks at both sides with good points and disasters on both sides of America’s longest wars. He also covers some of the fringe events of this area in the Bosque Redondo and Ft.Sumner with the Long Walk.
June 7, 2023
n informative book that highlights the sad and criminal treatment of Native Americans by those seeking to steal their land. I enjoyed reading about the efforts of Cochise and his fellow warriors in resisting the genocide.
April 16, 2024
Price examines the Apache Wars with a focus on Cochise, Geronimo, and Victorio. Severely lacking in maps and timelines and a bit unorganized.
979.004
979.004
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
Interesting to read the Apache side of the Apache wars.
August 29, 2025
Bonus star for authors who add relevant pictures at the point in which you’re reading instead of lumping all pictures in one spot.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews