[Flash]

Al B. Nelson, "Campaigning in the Big Bend of the Rio Grande in 1787," Southwestern Historical Quarterly 29 (January 1936).

This is the story of Juan de Ugalde who conducted four campaigns against the Mescalero Apaches in northern Coahuila and the Big Bend and Pecos River regions of Texas. Although only nineteen Apaches were killed and sixty-seven taken prisoner, many others were forced to flee or make peace with the Spanish. The goal was to punish the Mescaleros for raiding deep into Mexico and committing theft and other atrocities. Fascinating stuff to imagine happening in Big Bend in the 1780's.

Starting about Page 207 is the story of pursuing the trail of a band led by Zapato Tuerto (Twisted Shoe) into the Chisos Mountains. Some have speculated the skirmish may have happened somewhere in Juniper Canyon, possibly below Lower Juniper Spring, although the geographical descriptions are a bit vague and arguably could have happened in more than one spot in Juniper Canyon. Since Ugalde's men came from the direction of the abandoned presidio at San Vicente, the trail they followed led northwesterly, which is a straight shot to toward the wider Juniper Canyon.

- Flash

[dprather]

Interesting read = many thanks.

History makes the Bend better.

[Buck]

History makes the Bend better.

And Bacon.

[House Made of Dawn]

Thank you, Flash. Fascinating. I'm going to go sit down with some bacon and read this.

[Jalco]

Cool!

[mule ears]

Another great find Flash!  the BBC historical researcher.

[dprather]

I had long wondered where Twisted Shoe campsite got its name

[Flash]

I had long wondered where Twisted Shoe campsite got its name

Aye, and Zapato Tuerto Spring as well!   

Somewhere in the southeastern foothills of the Chisos was a clash of Spaniards and Mescalero Apaches!