Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway, Cuchillo, NM - National Scenic Byways on Waymarking.com

This stop along the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway provides a bit of history about Cuchillo, who played an important role in New Mexico's history. The highway provides travelers a glimpse into some gorgeous landscape that almost seems to inhospitable to inhabit.

Here is some of the text from the sign at this stopping point (be sure to read the entire sign to learn all of the interesting information).

"Farming by Apaches
Apaches did not live in settlements or permanent houses, but rather in brush-covered shelters kow as wickiups. They moved from place to place looking for game and harvesting seeds and berries in season. Each band had its own recognized territory in which they planted maize and other grains. They only needed to be in their agricultural areas during planting and during harvest, so they could leave the fields unattended most of the year. They stored their crops in "caches", storage pits containing baskets or pots, or wrapped in bear grass. Caves were also commonly used as caches. Corn was the most common crop, however squash and shiles were also planted.

References from as early as 1692 describes planting by Chimenne (also spelled Teihene) along the rivers and canyons of the Black Range. From the 1700s there are frequent references to Apache fields and agriculture.

Cuchillo Negro
Cuchillo Negro (Black Knife) was the Spanish name for Apache Chief Baishan, a leader of the Warm Springs (Chihenne) Apaches during the 1830s to 1850s. He was a respected leader and forceful presence among the southern Chirichua tribes. He was a chief lieutenant under on the the greatest Apache leaders, Mangas Coloradas, who managed to consolidate most of the Chiricahuas into working together.

Several geological features in Sierra County bear his name, including the Cuchillo Negro Mountains, Cuchillo Negro Creek and the town of Cuhillo."

Program: America's Byways Website: [Web Link] Official Name: Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway

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