The Battle at Apache Pass
What’s in a preposition? It turns out when it comes to Hollywood and history - everything! The film Battle AT Apache Pass is l o o s e l y based on the civil war Battle OF Apache Pass. What does the film (at) have to do with the battle (of)? Both are set in Apache Pass Arizona Territory in 1862. Cochise is present in both. Geronimo claimed to be at the battle of, but the claim is in dispute. Both involve the first use of artillery against the Apache. And that’s where the historical ‘basis’ ends.
The film pits Fort Buchanan commander Major Colton (John Lund) and his friend Cochise (Jeff Chandler) against corrupt Indian agent Baylor (Bruce Cowling), dishonest scout Mescal Jack (Jack Elam) and renegade chief Geronimo (Jay Silverheels). Geronimo raids are blamed on Cochise’ Chiricahua. Baylor uses this as an excuse to relocate the Chiricahua to the reservation at San Carlos. Cochise calls a council to banish Geronimo.
Baylor and Mescal Jack plot with Geronimo to frame Cochise. While investigating a raid and kidnapping blamed on Cochise Colton’s second in command oversteps his orders confronting Cochise. He hangs three Chiricahua warriors and takes Cochise’ pregnant wife hostage. With the Apache on the warpath Colton closes Fort Buchanan and marches everyone off to safety at Fort Sheridan. The line of march takes the cavalry through Apache Pass. With Cochise holding one wall of the pass and Geronimo the other, the army uses cannon to route the Apache.
The battle OF also passes through Apache Pass. This time it is a Union column in pursuit of Confederate forces being driven out of Arizona. The Union troops need to reach Dragoon Springs east of Apache Pass to obtain much needed water. Apache under Mangas Coloradas and Cochise command the heights on both sides of the pass, blocking passage to lifesaving water.
How do you suppose the Union column breaks through? If you guessed a battery of two 12 pounder mountain howitzers, you’re right! The Apache attribute their defeat to the use of thunder wagons. The cannon roll on wheels.
For some reason Hollywood cannot bring itself to dramatize history. They have to ‘improve on facts’ that don’t need improving; and in the end don’t improve.
Next Week: The Rare Breed
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
The film pits Fort Buchanan commander Major Colton (John Lund) and his friend Cochise (Jeff Chandler) against corrupt Indian agent Baylor (Bruce Cowling), dishonest scout Mescal Jack (Jack Elam) and renegade chief Geronimo (Jay Silverheels). Geronimo raids are blamed on Cochise’ Chiricahua. Baylor uses this as an excuse to relocate the Chiricahua to the reservation at San Carlos. Cochise calls a council to banish Geronimo.
Baylor and Mescal Jack plot with Geronimo to frame Cochise. While investigating a raid and kidnapping blamed on Cochise Colton’s second in command oversteps his orders confronting Cochise. He hangs three Chiricahua warriors and takes Cochise’ pregnant wife hostage. With the Apache on the warpath Colton closes Fort Buchanan and marches everyone off to safety at Fort Sheridan. The line of march takes the cavalry through Apache Pass. With Cochise holding one wall of the pass and Geronimo the other, the army uses cannon to route the Apache.
The battle OF also passes through Apache Pass. This time it is a Union column in pursuit of Confederate forces being driven out of Arizona. The Union troops need to reach Dragoon Springs east of Apache Pass to obtain much needed water. Apache under Mangas Coloradas and Cochise command the heights on both sides of the pass, blocking passage to lifesaving water.
How do you suppose the Union column breaks through? If you guessed a battery of two 12 pounder mountain howitzers, you’re right! The Apache attribute their defeat to the use of thunder wagons. The cannon roll on wheels.
For some reason Hollywood cannot bring itself to dramatize history. They have to ‘improve on facts’ that don’t need improving; and in the end don’t improve.
Next Week: The Rare Breed
Return to Facebook to comment.
Ride easy,
Paul
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