Near Apache Junction in Maricopa County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Alchesay
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
1. Alchesay Marker
Alchesay led his people in war and peace
Alchesay Canyon, to your right, was named for a great leader. Chief Alchesay, born around 1853, was a leader among the White Mountain Apache. Other Apaches looked up to him not only because he towered six feet tall, but also because they respected his judgment.
He served as one of the celebrated Apache Scouts during the Apache Wars. The Scouts were famous for their endurance, cunning and tracking ability-eleven of them, including Alchesay, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their conduct in the campaigns.
In 1888, he led a group of Apache chiefs to meet with President Cleveland in Washington, D.C. At home on the Fort Apache Reservation, he became a successful cattle rancher and an effective politician working in the interests of his people. Alchesay died on August 6, 1928.
Born: 1853, Arizona Territory
Entered service at: Camp Verde, Arizona
Place and date: Winter of 1872-1873
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Indian Scout
Date of issue of
Indian War Medal of Honor: April 12, 1875
Citation: Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.
Erected by Tonto National Forest.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
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Location. 33° 40.111′ N, 111° 9.777′ W. Marker is near Apache Junction, Arizona, in Maricopa County. Marker is on Arizona Route 88 at milepost 241, on the left when traveling east. Marker is in ramada just to right of the rest rooms. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Apache Junction AZ 85119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Apache Trail Historic Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Roosevelt Dam (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Roosevelt Dam (about 300 feet away); The People Who Made It Happen (about 300 feet away); Salt River Before the Dam (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tonto Basin (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); Al Sieber (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apache Junction.
Also see . . .
1. William Alchesay. Wikipedia
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
2. Alchesay
Photo on marker.
2. William Alchesay Medal of Honor information. Congressional Medal of Honor Society website entry (Submitted on August 5, 2010.)
3. William Alchesay gravesite at the Fort Apache Indian Reservation Cemetery. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on August 5, 2010.)
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, August 3, 2010
3. Alchesay Marker
Marker is in ramada just to right of the rest rooms.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,473 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
