Mescalero Apaches camped in many locations throughout the Guadalupes where they were able to find water and game. They also used many native plants for food. NPS Photo

The First Humans

Archaeologists believe that the first humans in the Guadalupe Mountains were hunter-gatherers that arrived here between ten and twelve thousand years ago. Although very little is known about these people, we still find evidence that they were here. Projectile points, baskets, pottery, petroglyphs and pictographs have been found throughout the park.

The Mescalero Apaches

For the Mescalero Apaches, the Guadalupe Mountains were a last stronghold. War with the Comanches forced a group of Apaches to retreat from the plains into these inaccessible mountains. They survived here by learning to utilize the native animals and plants. The Mescaleros, or Nde (In-deh) as they called themselves, hunted mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as harvested plants like agave, sotol, and bear grass. The mescal, or agave, formed the major staple in both their diet and culture. In addition to supplying fiber for ropes, blankets, and sandals, agave hearts were roasted in large cooking pits and eaten or made into cakes for later consumption. The Mescaleros were constantly on the move, ranging over vast areas and following the changing seasons. Though the Mescaleros learned to adapt to this rather harsh environment, they would not be able to adapt to the changes that the coming of civilization would soon bring.