The Chiricahua Apache, a band of Apache Native Americans, historically inhabited the rugged landscapes of southeastern Arizona, including Cochise County, as well as parts of southwestern New Mexico and northern Mexico. Their name, possibly meaning "chatterer" or "grinder" in reference to their coded battle communication or treatment of captives, reflects their fierce warrior culture. They call themselves Ndé, meaning "the people."

The Chiricahua lived in the Chiricahua Mountains, Dragoon Mountains, and other ranges, maintaining a nomadic lifestyle centered on hunting, gathering, and raiding, with no centralized tribal organization but strong leadership under chiefs like Cochise and Geronimo. Cochise, a prominent leader of the Chokonen band, led resistance against Mexican and American settlers in the 19th century, particularly during the Apache Wars (1861–1886).

The Bascom Affair in 1861, which started the Apache Wars is a blight on the US Military record and caused untold bloodshed. One first hand account of a Cochise County resident stated,  when traveling from Tombstone to Dragoon, every single mile is marked with a grave, marker or memorial of a slain white man. 

The Chiricahua Apache were a nomadic group known for their resistance to Mexicans as well as European and American settlers in the 1800s. They lived in Cochise County, Arizona, among other areas, and were led by notable figures like Cochise and Geronimo. Their conflict with settlers, driven by land disputes and cultural clashes, led to the Apache Wars. In 1872, a peace treaty established the Chiricahua Reservation, but it was dissolved in 1876, and many were moved to the San Carlos Reservation.

The Chiricahua were known for their guerrilla & brutal warfare tactics and deep knowledge of the terrain. Today, their descendants live primarily on the Mescalero and Fort Sill Apache Reservations.

Image to the right, a metate at Dragoon Springs ~ copyright DragoonArizona.com