There is a rich history along Arizona’s section of Route 66, and you can still see many historical relics along this famous drive. Among the many treasures of Route 66 is the Apache Death Cave, which memorializes a grim piece of tribal history in Winslow, Arizona. The cave became a part of history in 1878, when a group of Apache raiders attacked a Navajo encampment. The raid ended in the deaths of all the camp’s inhabitants except for three girls who were taken prisoner by the raiders. Once Navajo leaders received word of the attack, they sent out men to find the Apache raiders and seek vengeance.
A stealthy hideaway
Just when the raiders’ trail had become cold, the Navajo men encountered a hot spot of ground, which revealed a hidden cavern, where a campfire was burning inside. Upon discovering the hideaway where the Apache had taken cover, the Navajo killed watchmen at the entrance of the cave and started a fire.
An unlikely grave
One Apache man escaped and begged the Navajo for mercy. For a moment, it had seemed as though the Apache would be let go, but upon learning the fate of the three girls who had been taken prisoner, the attack continued. The cavern would become a gravesite, which would mark the end of Apache raids on the Navajo people.
A chilling legend
Since the fateful evening when the Apache Death Cave was created, no Apache have entered the cave for any reason. Though the area still remains an interesting site where visitors can stop for a chilling view into Arizona’s rough and violent past.
