Walker's New Plan

During those 3 months, Walker had not lost a man and only 2 or 3 were wounded by the Apache, none seriously.  Six Apache were killed.  Walker's party was no closer to Arizona than before so Walker devised a new plan - kidnap Chief Mangas.  Now Mangas was about 6'4" - 6'7" by all historical accounts.  The plan:  if white men were allowed to pass through Apache territory without harm, Mangas would be released unharmed. 

Walker did kidnap Mangas, but the military disregarded Walker's plan and killed Mangas.  After that, the military sent troops to kill some 20 Apache.  Walker left Fort McLane  in disgust.

Walker's party stopped to explore the upper waters of the San Francisco River and then on to Tucson in April of 1863.  They came to present day Phoenix and then on to Prescott. By Christmas of 1863, there were so many newcomers in the area that Walker had had enough and relinquished command of the party.  He is recorded as saying "We opened the door and held it open for civilization and now civilization will do the rest."

Next time...Civilized Arizona?

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Today in History:  On January 22, 1870, pursuing American soldiers badly beat Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife (Mountain Star) and his people as they make a desperate bid for freedom. In doing so, the soldiers effectively crushed the so-called Dull Knife Outbreak in Wyoming/Montana.