Apache Extinction | The Secret War to EXTERMINATE the Last Free Bronco Apache

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In 1927, A father’s son and wife are victims of a raid from the last of the free Apache. His relentless quest for revenge challenges their need to survive as the true motives of both groups are revealed.
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Full Description:

The 1920s were a tumultuous period where the remnants of the Apache tribe, known as the Broncos, still roamed free in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. They were the survivors who refused to succumb to reservation life after the legendary Geronimo's surrender in 1886. In this episode, we unravel the harrowing tale of Francisco Fimbres, a father, whose world is shattered when his beloved son and wife fall victim to a brutal raid by the elusive Broncos.

The heart-wrenching loss that pushes Fimbres over the edge. Consumed by grief and anger, he embarked on a relentless quest for vengeance, vowing to track down every last member of the free Apache tribe responsible for the devastating assault.

Amidst the unforgiving social conditions of the time, where both Mexicans and Apache struggle to survive in poverty and subsistence, the lines between right and wrong blur as the father's thirst for revenge and the Broncos' fight for survival converge in a collision course that could only end in tragedy.

As the father's pursuit intensifies, he finds an unexpected ally in a local girl, who has a unique connection to the elusive Broncos. She alone might be the only one who truly understands both worlds and is the key to the conflict. Her existence adds layers of complexity to an already tangled tale of vendetta and betrayal.

If it was ever possible for the Broncos and Mexicans to reach an understanding and live together we will never know. The results of this blood feud ensure that this is not that kind of story.
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Below are a list of the Resources used for this episode:

The Apache Diaries: A Father-Son Journey by Grenville Goodwin & Neil Goodwin (Book)

Flagler, Edward K. (2006): "After Geronimo: The Rough Apaches of Mexico." Spanish Journal of American Anthropology . Vol. 36, p. 119-128.

The Last Indian War Happened in the 1930s

Mexicans Recall Last Apaches Living In Sierra by Paul Salopek

THE PARTICULAR WAR OF FRANCISCO FIMBRES AGAINST THE APACHES

Últimos "Apaches" en Nácori Chico (Last "Apaches" in Nácori Chico)

Western Apache Raiding and Warfare by Grenville Goodwin (Book)

When Revolutionary Mexico Hunted the Indians

[UlookinMe]

As a army vet and dad, dude made the right choice. He could guarantee saving one kid versus almost assuredly losing all. Especially alone and lightly armed, you are supposed to have a 3-1 numbers advantage to assault or counter assault a enemy position. It’s a absolutely terrible choice to make but he made the right one.

[jumex]

I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Chihuahua. South of Chihuahua city. We have a large population of Raramuri there. I even knew some. As an amateur historian, I believe the Apache blended with the Raramuri (Tarahumara) who shared a very close civilization with the Apache. Genetically very similar if not identical. Language from what I know so close that they can understand each other. The Raramuri “escaped” civilization by going into the Copper Canyons (yes, there’s many) it would not be far fetched to believe a large number of Apache moved in with their “cousins” and are still there today. One interesting note; the Raramuri to this day dislike “Mexicans”, they will tell it to your face. I forget the word now that I’m older, but they are not shy about it 😂. Now, I live in AZ where there are tons of Apache. They still dislike Mexicans to this day. I have personally met some with the last name “Lopez”. They have changed it to “Lopes” and pronounce it “Lopes” as in Antelopes. They also get offended if you confuse them with Mexicans. 😮

[EA-hsxp]

your channel is underrated. You will be at 1million subscribers in no time. keep it up !

[edwardlangdon]

Wow, you had promised that you would do this research on the broncos and present the story. Oh boy, you did not disappoint. I am absolutely stunned and amazed by this story. A story that few today know. Thank you so much for doing this and look forward to your next story. Well done.

[timfdubois]

You mentioned that children were told not to play in certian areas. Well...my mother grew up in the Arivapa Canyon in Arizona during the lated teens into the 1920s and she was told by her mother to watch out for 'renegade Indians'. This episode rekindled the stories my mother and uncles told me when I was a kid. I had a great uncle in Arizona named Miles Wood. He was friends with Geronimo and Cochise and would cut cattle out for them when their people were hungry. If you have the book 'Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee' by Dee Brown, you will find reference to him when he testified for an Apache to help prove the Apache was innocent of murder. Thanks for the video.

[ML-dzix]

There is a story I heard when I was little about the Apache:
A Spaniard road his horse hard for 75 miles until it collapsed. The Spaniard removed his saddle and continued on foot. A Mexican found the horse, got it on its feet, and road it another 50 miles until it collapsed, then continued on foot. A Texan found the horse, got it on its feet, and road it another 40 miles until it collapsed, then continued on foot. An Apache found the horse, and ate it.

[markmarshall]

I have lived off and on with the Raramuri, Tarahumara Indians since 2014 in the Serra Madre Occidental mountain range.
I spent 3 and a half years in those mountains without returning to the United States.
I know those mountains and anything could be living there it is that remote.
I will return in March Lord willing and after watching your excellent video I will look for any traces of the Broncos.
I will let you know what I find.
The Raramuri can run between 50 to 100 miles in a day.
If there are any remnants I will find them

[jannford]

'Boogiemen of an untamed wilderness'', makes my neck hairs stand up. Great description.
Francisco knew his enemy. He knew he needed support.

[aaronoverton]

Hey you do a fabulous job with these stories . Living in Arizona my whole life and with a great grand mother born in 1903 here in Skull Valley , history has always been a major interest . Thank you

[albundy-kx]

geronimo's cousin said in 1958 that there were still broncos in the sierra madre in 1958 . if this is true it is remarkable.

[frenchroast]

As a fiction writer who has always wanted to do a western adventure, you are giving me a ton of ideas to work with. Very well done.

[TheHamburgler]

Awesome video, man! I've been enjoying the heck out of these videos about native tribes. Crazy to think this happened less than 100 years ago! Not a long time by any means.

[cdfe]

I’m an unashamed history nerd and the West is one of my areas of interest, but also the one about which I know the least. I love your channel, man.

[BubbaZanetti_]

I have many of the books you displayed I've bought in Flagstaff (passing through). Apache are my favorite tribe to historically research & read & your channel is fantastic. Thank you!

[solyluna]

I admire your ability to remain totally neutral when telling (and after researching!) all this horror ...

[gmoney]

Being Apache, I enjoy the content of your storytelling. Keep it up!

[NeverPayPig]

"Familia es todo."

The line burned into every Mexican childs mind.

[iainsanders]

H'mm, interesting & good research. My grandfather was said to have taken part in campaigns against Apache & Comanche in Arizona & NM as a volunteer civilian with the US Army. But he only arrived in America in 1886, from England, at 17 yrs old - so right on the Geronimo surrender year, but not 'Indian fighting' for a year or two. Research turned up these last few remnants & settled my puzzlement. Ironically my father was born & raised in Durango & did a timber cruise in the Sierra Madre Occidental in 1926-7. No reports of Apache though, p'haps he was just a little too late - luckily ..😄 Quite some Yaqui in that state though. My own sympathies are fairly well with those last free men..

[jullianohirsch]

I'm not a father so I can't put myself in that person's shoes with any stake in the game. That said, I don't see him as a coward, he had a daughter to protect, was outnumbered, and may or may not have had a gun. No one can really know what their reaction will be unless they're put into that scenario.

[jbos]

I have heard mentions of these stories but never the full story. It's heartbreaking and you're right that there were no happy endings. I can sympathize with the father. He paid a terrible price but I know that there is nobody I wouldn't put lead into to protect my family.