Apache Death Cave: A Haunting Relic of the Old West

The Apache Death Cave, a haunting landmark near Winslow, Arizona, carries a chilling tale from the Old West. In 1878, this natural cavern became the site of a brutal massacre. According to the grim story, Apache raiders attacked a Navajo encampment, killing many and kidnapping three young girls. Navajo warriors tracked the Apache to this cave, located in what is now the ghost town of Two Guns.The Navajo warriors, seeking revenge, sealed the cave's entrance and lit a fire, trapping the Apache inside. Forty-two Apache warriors perished in the cave, giving it the ominous name it bears today. Some accounts detail the Apache attempting to extinguish the flames with the blood of their horses, further adding to the cave's macabre history.In the years that followed, the cave and the surrounding area became shrouded in legend and superstition. Pioneers reported eerie sounds and ghostly apparitions, adding to the site's haunted reputation. In the early 20th century, Two Guns emerged as a Route 66 tourist stop. A man named Henry Miller, also known as “Crazy Thunder” Miller, leased the land and built a zoo and tourist attractions around the cave. He reportedly sold artifacts, and possibly even bones, from the cave. The site fell into disrepair and was ultimately abandoned.Today, the Apache Death Cave stands as a stark reminder of the conflicts that shaped the American West. Visitors can explore the ruins of Two Guns, including the abandoned gas station and remnants of the old zoo. A rickety ramp leads down to the cave entrance, where the main cavern can be entered. Exploring the cave requires caution and a flashlight, as the terrain is uneven and dark. The Apache Death Cave offers a unique, if unsettling, glimpse into a violent past, set against the backdrop of the iconic Route 66.