Chiricahua territory included what is now southwestern New Mexico, southwestern Arizona, and northern parts of the Mexican States of Sonora and Chihuahua.

When the Chiricahua Apaches were taken as Prisoners of War in 1886, their land totaled approximately 15,000,000 acres. Along with being imprisoned, the United States Government also took the Chiricahua land. One hundred and two years later, four acres of sacred land were returned to the Chiricahua people through a generous gft from a concerned private citizen. The four acres adjoins the Cochise Stronghold in Cochise County, Arizona.

At the close of the last Geronimo hostilities in 1886, the military removed from the Fort Apache and San Carlos Native American Reservations some 400 Chiricahua Apaches, all of whom remained at peace during the forced removal and sent them to Florida. Among those taken captive and held as prisoners of war were the scouts who fought with the Army against Geronimo and his followers. During this period of time there were born into captivity children completely innocent of any crime against the United States.

Ironically, not even the most resistant of tribes received such treatment as had the Chiricahuas. None received such an unconscionable period of confinement. All either retained their lands or were given new reservations. In all the history of federal government-Native American relations, the situation which confronted the Chiricahuas represents a most unprecedented case of injustice.

-John Anthony Turcheneske, Jr