Marc Simmons: Site of Apache chief Victorio's death in dispute

In 1880, a group of miners assembled near Silver City and made plans to visit the Floridas in search of ore. They believed hostile Apaches under war chief Victorio had retreated into Mexico.

Besides, each man was armed with a Sharp’s rifle. Called a buffalo gun, it was a long-range weapon of large caliber.

The prospectors rode south and camped in the Floridas at a point called Capitol Dome. Unknown to them, a strong force of Apaches with Victorio, chased north by Mexican troops, was camped a short distance away at Bear Spring.

The white men awoke at dawn, cooking breakfast. Canteens were empty and the leader, Jason Baxter, ordered everyone to saddle up and make the short ride to Bear Spring for water.

A thick fog smothered the mountains, and the spring lay in a closed bowl. Thus Baxter’s party walked right in on the Indians, who were preparing their own breakfast.

Each side was as startled as the other. “Indians!” shouted Baxter. “Run, boys, run!”