The Mescalero Apache Tribe was established by Executive Order of President Ulysses S. Grant on May 27, 1873. There are three sub bands that comprise the Tribe: the Mescalero Apache, the Chiricahua Apache, and the Lipan Apache.
Prior to the reservation period, the Mescalero people were nomadic hunters and gathers and roamed the Southwest. They were experts in guerilla warfare and highly skilled horsemen. The women were known for their ability to find and prepare food from many different plant sources.
The people were given the name “Mescalero” because they gathered and ate the mescal plant. It was the staple of their diets and could sustain them in good and bad times.
The present day Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is approximately 720 square miles. The elevation ranges from 5400 to over 12,000. The high mountains of the reservation are part of the Sacramento Mountain region. The majority of the land is covered with timber pine, fir, spruce, aspen, white oak, pinon, and juniper.
Today, the population exceeds 4000 enrolled tribal members. Approximately one-half of the population is under the age of eighteen. Most of the tribal membership lives on the reservation.
During the summer months, the Mescalero people celebrate the “Coming of Age” ceremony for girls who have reached puberty. The big tribal celebration takes place each year during the 4th of July weekend. At this time, there is a parade, rodeos, and daily and nightly traditional dancing along with the Coming of Age ceremony. This event is open to the public.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe operates various tribal enterprises such as Ski Apache, Mescalero Forest Products, Mescalero Cattle Growers Association, Mescalero Tribal Store, Mescalero Gas Company, Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc. and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino.
The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is the second largest employer in Otero County and the major employer in Lincoln County. The facility has made great contributions to the economy of the reservation and local neighboring communities. It is the crowning achievement of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and tribal members are very proud of “the best all season resort destination in the Southwest”.
