Numerous photographs accompany brief biographical portraits of important Apache women of the 19th century.

A book of brief essays, illustrative art, and photography from often obscure historical and ethnological studies of Apache history, life, and culture in the last half of the nineteenth century. These snippets of history and culture provide insights into late nineteenth century Apache culture, history, and supernatural beliefs as the great western migration after the Civil War swept over the Apache bands in the late nineteenth century resulting in immense pressure for their cultures to change or vanish.

Recounts Geronimo's art as a guerrilla fighter and the culture, life, and warfare of the Apaches.

The southwest tribes include the Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo. These tribes are known for their art, architecture, and fierceness in battle. This exciting book captures the richness of these tribes' cultures and provides an in-depth look at the warriors and wars that shaped them.

George A. Forsyth took a determined stand against Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at the Battle of Beech Island in 1868 and in the process transformed this minor frontier skirmish into a legendary symbol of the American West. This engagement helped mold popular conception of Indian warfare and provided Forsyth with the reputation of being an intrepid Indian fighter like George Custer and Buffalo Bill. Although this image of Forsyth is not necessarily incorrect, it is certainly incomplete. Forsyth began his military career with the firing on Fort Sumter in 1861. Like many other officers who would subsequently gain distinction in the Indian campaign of the West, he learned the art of warfare in the great battles of the Civil War. His ascendancy through the ranks paralleled the rise of the Union cavalry as an effective combat arm during the war, and his education as a cavalryman came under the watchful eye of Phil Sheridan, one of America's most compelling soldiers. The Forsyth-Sheridan relationship began on the Virginia battlefields and continued until 1881. During this long period George Forsyth was one of Sheridan's most trusted aides, serving as the general's eyes and ears in countless military missions that took him from the banks of the Yellowstone to the sacred Black Hills and from the bayous of Reconstruction Louisiana to the palaces of Europe and Asia. Forsyth's varied military career was truly reflective of the army's role in the second half of the nineteenth century. In addition to serving as an instrument of government Indian policy, the army carried out other important missions designed to foster internal development in the United States. These activities included exploring and mapping the remnants of the uncharted West: escorting railroad survey and construction crews and building forts along the major lines of commerce. As a staff officer, George Forsyth played an important part in all of these activities and more. Therefore, while this biography chronicles the life and military career of a remarkable soldier, it also provides fresh insight into the role that the United States Army played during the post-Civil War period.

*Includes pictures *Includes accounts of Apache scouts written by other soldiers *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "Even if we should be able to dislodge them from the rough mountain ridges and impenetrable woods which cover the immense territories of these frontiers, they would seek better asylum in the vastness of the Sierra Madre. . . [They] know how to surprise and destroy our troops in the mountains and on the plains. They are not ignorant of the use and power of our arms; they manage their own with dexterity; and they are as good or better horsemen than the Spaniards, and having no towns, castles, or temples to defend they may only be attacked in their dispersed and movable rancherias." - Bernardo de Galvez, Instructions for Governing the Interior Provinces of New Spain, 1787 (The Quivera Society, Berkeley) The Apache of the American Southwest have achieved almost legendary status for their fierceness and their tenacity in fighting the U.S. Army. Names like Nana, Cochise, and Geronimo are synonymous with bravery and daring, and the tribe had that reputation long before the Americans arrived. Indeed, among all the Native American tribes, the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans learned the hard way that the warriors of the Apache were perhaps the fiercest in North America. Based in the Southwest, the Apache fought all three in Mexico and the American Southwest, engaging in seasonal raids for so many centuries that the Apache struck fear into the hearts of all their neighbors. First migrating to the Southwest from western Canada sometime around 1000-1500, the Apache lived a hunting and gathering lifestyle in the rough mountains and vast stretches of desert left unused by the agricultural peoples who had preceded them, or fought for the scarce temperate highlands of the region's many mountain ranges. The Apache kept herds of animals and would trade and raid with the settled tribes. Successive waves of immigrations would change Apache lifestyle forever. First the Spanish and then the Mexicans moved into what is now northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas. The newcomers were few at first, but even so, the Apache felt the pinch as they were pushed out of some of their traditional grazing and hunting lands. More serious trouble began in the mid-19th century with the conquest of the region by the United States and the influx of large numbers of ranchers, farmers, and miners. The Apache were soon cornered into the most remote areas and conflict became inevitable. The U.S. Cavalry bore the main burden of pacifying the region and found it incredibly difficult to track down the Apache, who had an intimate knowledge of the terrain and could disappear into the rough mountains without leaving more than a trace of their passing. The cavalry tried many different tactics, including hiring native scouts, but it wasn't until they hired Apaches to go after other Apaches that they were able to finally defeat the hostile bands. The story of the Apache scouts is one of the most unusual in the annals of military history, a tale of a supposedly superior army adapting the strategy and tactics of a much smaller and technologically inferior foe. Like the majority of Native American groups, the Apache were eventually vanquished and displaced by America's westward push, but the Apache's military prowess remain legendary. The Apache Scouts: The History and Legacy of the U.S. Army Indian Scouts Used in the Apache Wars analyzes the use of native scouts and the history of the Apache wars that stretched over decades. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Apache scouts like never before, in no time at all.

...most timely, given our renewed national pride and concern for yet another generation waging war...includes, not just the well-known heroes, but also many obscure ones who served with great valor, but little acclaim...This skilled writer will keep you reading to learn more.-bookviews.comIn Robert Skimin's capable hands, all of American battle history comes to life through the actions of the heroes he has selected. Some are familiar. Others are obscure. But Skimin captures their spirit and reminds us of the significance of their selfless service to the nation. This is a great read.-Harold Nelson, Brigadier General, U. S. Army (Retired)A gripping, fascinating book about a subject sadly neglected these days - American heroes. Bob Skimin mixes facts with great storytelling. Heroes from Dolly Madison and George Washington to Lincoln, Chief Joseph, Audie Murphy, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Bob Hope all come off these pages in thought, action, and life. Good history and good writing make this book a kind of classic.-Frank E. Vandiver, Distinguished University Professor, Texas A&M UniversitySince 9/11, America has gained a new appreciation of its heroes, something that had been lost for many years due to the conflicted emotions produced by the Viet Nam War. What is a hero? In a media-saturated culture, which seems to venerate shallow celebrity idols and false heroics, it is worthwhile to revisit the true heroes of our history.Robert Skimin, a former paratrooper, army aviator, and artillery officer during his twenty years of military service, offers a compelling look at American history by tracing the life paths of its heroes and heroines. While many of the well-known heroes of history are included here, Skimin's unique account provides memorable vignettes and anecdotes, which bring the careers and contributions of these remarkable people to life. He also includes stories about more obscure heroes, whose courage was often as great as that of the most famous icons of history: for example, a Mexican-American kid who escaped a barrio gang to become one of the most impressive heroes of military history; and the Japanese American young men who created the most decorated unit ever while their parents were incarcerated in U.S. concentration camps. Skimin also discusses such questionable heroes as George Armstrong Custer, whose little-known brother, Tom, was a two-time Medal of Honor winner.A Pulitzer Prize nominee for his novel Apache Autumn, Skimin has a knack for telling a page-turning story. Footprints of Heroes is a fascinating tour through America's wars, highlighting the service of those who went beyond the call of duty and left an example that is a lasting inspiration for us all.Robert Skimin (El Paso, TX), a retired army officer, has been a writer for over thirty years and has published sixteen books, including the 1993 Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel Apache Autumn and the international bestseller Chikara!