The Apache Death Cave of Winslow, Arizona

Arizona has a rich history full of tales of lost gold and mighty battles. The truth is, for a long period of time, the lands of Arizona were soaked in blood. Battles between settlers and various Native American tribes left scars on the land that will never be forgotten. One of these battles in question took place in a hidden cave, and was so brutal that no Apache or Navajo has ever returned there again.

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The Beginning

The Apache Death Cave is located off old Route 66 in Winslow, Arizona. The battle that gave the cave the looming title "The Apache Death Cave" was actually the result of multiple altercations between Apache natives and Navajo natives in the year 1878.

The conflict between the two groups began when a raid was conducted on a Navajo camp near Little Colorado river, perpatrated by a group of Apache in the area. Nearly every single Navajo man, child, and woman were killed, and the Apache left with supplies they had looted. There were only three young girls left alive, and they were taken prisoner by the Apache.

After that, 25 Navajo men went searching for the Apache, but were unsuccessful. The Apache seemed to have vanished. But they hadn't, and soon enough another raid was conducted, and more Navajo were lost.

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The Battle in a Cave

All seemed lost for a time, until one day while scouting Canyon Diablo, two Navajo men heard chattering and felt the warm breeze only a fire could create. Once they investigated closer, they disovered a small entrence into a cavern that connected directly below them. 

Knowing it could only be the Apache, the Navajo wanted revenge. Still unaware of the outxome of the young girls, a group of Navajo men set out for the cave. When they got there, they killed two watchmen sitting outside the cave. They then gathered some wood and brush, blocked the enterence of the cave, and set it on fire.

The Apache began trying to put out the fire, and slaughtered their own horses in an attempt to block the enterence of the cave with the bodies. During all this commotion, a lone Apache made it out of the cave and began to beg for their lives. Negotioations began being made, with the Navajo agreeing to let them go in excange for their supplies and the three little girls that had been taken captive.

When the girls were brought up, the tone changed, as the Apache had already killed them. When the Navajo were told the news, all negotiation was over, and the Navajo set fire to the entire cave. Due to the corpse blocked enterence, and the Navajo waiting outisde, the Apache were trapped with no way to escape, and ultimately suffoacted to death. When the smoke cleared, the Navajo pushed through the barricade and looted the cave.

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Aftermath

Over 42 Apache supposdly lost thier lives that day, singing songs as they met their demise. No Apache has returned to that cave since, and legend has it, the cave is cursed. Rumor has it, hikers and others in the area have heard strange sounds come from the cave. Witnesses report hearing far off laughter, singing, and yelling, and some even report smelling fire but not sering any smoke.

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Today you can visit the Apache Death Cave and surrounding attractions, and learn about the unique and brutal history of Arizona. The Apache Death Cave is located rouighly 20 minutes west of Winslow, Arizona, so plan your visit wiseley!

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