The pictures taken of Ruidoso are posted and when you look at the pictures you understand why people escape to Ruidoso. Part of the enchantment is due to the Mescalero Apaches. Their Reservation borders the city of Ruidoso and they have built and maintain the big attractions to Ruidoso.
The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation is located in south central New Mexico in northern Otero County and a small part of Lincoln County. It is 720 square miles and the elevation ranges from 5400 ft about sea level to 12,000 ft above sea level. It is home to over 4000 Native Americans and it is made up of three primary Apache tribes: Mescalero Apache, Chiricahua Apache and Lipan Apache. On May 27, 1873 President Ulysses S. Grant ordered this land as their Reservation and is located near Fort Stanton (FT. Stanton was built to protect the settlers from the Apcahe raids).
Currently, the Reservation relies on Ranching and Tourism for their economy and runs two major attractions in the Ruidoso area. Ski Apache is a ski resort located on the Sierra Blanca peak at 12,000 ft. Seirra Blanca is a sacred place to the Apaches. Just on the Ruidoso city border is the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino. It is a luxery resort and has all of the glamour of a Las Vegas resort.
The Mescalero Apaches are self governed with their own Tribal Council that oversea the running of Ski Apache, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, the Apache Casino and local stores. They are self supporting and do not receive an annuity for the the U.S. Government. There are five Churches, all of different denominations, but they also practice their native religous beliefs. A Traditional Counseling Program was developed to insure the continuance of the Mescalero Apache Culture, Traditions and Religon. It is the "Old Indian Ways" and the first week of July the Mescalero Apaches set up tents and teepees and live in their traditional lifestyle for a week. Visitors are allowed to take part during this time but only if it is taken seriously because this is a serious ceremonious time for the Mescalero Apaches. The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation plays a very important part of this area of New Mexico and have made Ruidoso a growing tourist town.
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