Cochise, Chiricahua Apache Leader/ Stephen W Kearny

               Chief Cochise, recognized as one of the greatest leaders of the Apache Indians. hated the intrusions of Mexicans and Americans during the mid 19th century.The lands of the Apache Indians extended from Southern Arizona to Northern Mexico. Cochise led many raids against both groups north and south of the border. In one incident, a band of Apache Indians raided the ranch of John Ward and kidnapped his son. John Ward believed that Cochise was the head of the kidnapping and attacks; therefore, he demanded for Cochise to be captured under the command of George Bascom. The Apaches were tricked by Basacom to have a night of entertainment and they were imprisoned. Cochise had managed to escape and set up a new band of raids on American settlers. In 1872, the U.S demanded peace and offered a reservation in southern Arizona. Cochise died two years later due to stomach cancer and his body remains in a rocky crevice known as Cochise's Stronghold.

Colonel Stephen W. Kearny was born in 1794 and served during the War of 1812. He was the commander of the army in the west during the Mexican American War.

War broke out between the United States and Mexico and he was ordered to recruit an army and head down the Santa Fe Trail in order to seize New Mexico. Despite the protest of Texas officials, Kearny established a territorial government in province. He led the army to Rio Grande and then to California. Kearny arrived in Los Angeles after a revolt broke out against U.S control. He was wounded at the Mexican victory of San Pascual but he managed to restore U.S control. Stephen W. Kearny can best be seen as the conqueror of California even though John C. Freemont and Robert F. Stockton had been there before and claimed the land.