Tombstone · Chapter
I: Hills of Silver explained
The chapter introduces the harsh Apache warfare in southeastern Arizona and follows Ed Schieffelin, a civilian scout under Al Sieber, who discovers silver in the barren Tombstone hills.
What happens
The chapter introduces the harsh Apache warfare in southeastern Arizona and follows Ed Schieffelin, a civilian scout under Al Sieber, who discovers silver in the barren Tombstone hills. After leaving the army, Schieffelin partners with his brother Al and Richard Gird to prospect the area, leading to the discovery of the Lucky Cuss, Tough Nut, Grand Central, and Contention mines. The strike triggers a boom, founding Tombstone and making the Schieffelins millionaires. Ed later finds civilization unsatisfying and returns to the wilderness, ultimately dying alone in his Oregon cabin.
Themes in this chapter
Boom and Bust
The discovery of silver transforms barren hills into a booming mining camp, but Schieffelin ultimately finds wealth hollow and returns to the wilderness.
The Wilderness and Civilization
Schieffelin's journey from wilderness scout to wealthy city dweller and back to the wilderness highlights the tension between civilized comforts and the call of the wild.
Violence and Death
The chapter opens with vivid descriptions of Apache ambushes, murders, and massacres, setting a tone of constant danger.
Characters to notice
- Ed Schieffelin
Civilian scout who discovers silver in the Tombstone hills; later becomes a millionaire but returns to the wilderness.
- Al Sieber
Celebrated government scout commanding the flying column that Schieffelin accompanies.
- Geronimo
Apache leader whose warriors are raiding southeastern Arizona during the chapter's opening.
- Russian Bill
Mentioned as a character who appears later in the narrative; not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“Through desert mesquite and cactus, the invisible savages slipped with the noiseless swiftness of running water; like poisonous reptiles they wriggled upon their bellies to points of murderous vantage; as still as cougars and as patient, they lurked beside the trails or watched a cabin door.”
The Apache warriors moved silently and stealthily through the desert, hiding in vegetation and waiting to attack from ambush.
Describes Apache guerrilla tactics.
“They were hills of silver, veined through and through with ore of fabulous richness, filled to the cactus roots and ready to burst with precious metal.”
The hills were rich with silver ore, so abundant it seemed ready to spill out.
Metaphor for the hidden wealth of the Tombstone hills.
“The pleasures of wealth were not in its possession, but in the adventure of finding it.”
Schieffelin realized that the joy of wealth came from the search, not from owning it.
Reflects Schieffelin's disillusionment with civilization.