It was from here that Geronimo led his followers when they broke for freedom from the oppression of the U. S. military. Their reservation was created in 1871 and reduced five separate times to accommodate white miners seeking copper and silver, and Mormons whose need for water led to the reduction around the Gila Valley. The Apache traditional craft of basket weaving is the main product manufactured for tourist consumption. It is still a craft passed down from mother to daughter keeping the centuries old art alive.
Tourism is an ever increasing major source of jobs and revenue.
The reservation abuts the Tonto National Forest and its land is equally as beautiful. Eastern Arizona is filled with Pine forest and lakes, both natural and manmade, making it a great locale for hunting, fishing and camping. The seal celebrates the natural beauty of the lands of the San Carlos Apache and the major sources of economic life for its residents. Central to the seal is a geographic tableau of the reservation showing the mountains, one of the many lakes and two prime elements of the flora of the reservation - the Pinon Pine and the Saguaro cactus. All these elements are depicted in natural colors.