Apache
Leap Mountain
Superior, Arizona
There is a reminder of the early presence of U.S.
Calvary troops in the Superior,
Arizona region. The origins of the Apache Tear
Legend can be
traced to these troops. Although no official record exists of a
skirmish between troops and Indians at what is now called Apache Leap
Mountain,
it is very likely that the legend has basis in fact. The
legend relates that "Apache" warriors were trapped on the large rock ledge by
cavalry troops
from Camp Pinal. Rather than surrender, however, about 75 of
the warriors leaped off the cliff to their deaths. It was because of this
incident that
the cliff became known as "Apache Leap
Mountain." Fragments of translucent obsidian nodules
(merikanites) embedded in perlite that can be found
not far from the cliff are now called "Apache
Tears" by rockhounds
and Superior Arizona area residents.
Apache
Tear Legend
About 75 Apaches and the US Calvary squared off against each other in battle on a mountain overlooking what is now Superior, Arizona in the 1870's. Rather than face defeat, the outnumbered Apache warriors rode their horses off the mountain to their deaths. The families of the warriors cried when they learned of the tragedy. Their tears turned into stone upon hitting the ground. Today these beautiful translucent gemstones are known as Apache Tears Good Luck Stones
"To give a friend or loved one an Apache Tear is to give them GOOD LUCK to carry with them forever."
To us it's just a stone, but to the Ancient Ones' it's a frozen tear, lost in the sands of time. Giving one to a friend unlocks their tears and allows GOOD LUCK to flow, as it frees their spirit from Mother Earth!
Apache Leap Mountain - September 25, 2007
Apache Leap Mountain - July 4, 2004
A wildfire burns at the base of Apache Leap Mountain on the 4th of July, 2004. Very dry conditions in the Western United States are causing a very active fire season. This photograph was taken from the roof of World's Smallest Museum Gift Shop & Buckboard City Cafe.
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Museum - One of Arizona's Finest Roadside Attractions!
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