ABOUT US
The Tonto Apaches have long strived to retain their proud heritage while educating themselves and working to improve living conditions and opportunities on the reservation.
TONTO APACHE TRIBE
The Tonto Apache Tribe has inhabited this area since long before Payson existed. A hardy and determined group of people who refused to be driven out in the classic Indian Wars of the 1800s, the Tonto Apaches, under the guidance of Chief Milton Campbell, worked hard to acquire the present reservation land in the 1970s.
With the construction and opening of the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, the Tonto Apaches have found themselves in a position to greatly improve their quality of life, school, health and business opportunities, and to contribute significantly to charitable causes in Payson and the surrounding Arizona Rim Country area.
A Little History
The Tonto Apaches have lived in what is now Arizona since the 1600’s, migrating with the change of seasons across a large part of Northern Arizona. After years of fighting to protect their land, the Apaches surrendered in the 1870’s at Camp Verde and were placed on a large reservation with the Yavapai Indians until forcibly marched to the San Carlos Reservation after the Camp Verde Reservation was dissolved. Many perished from disease, starvation, and the cold. After Geronimo was captured in 1886 and the guards left the San Carlos Reservation, a small band of Tonto Apaches made the long walk back to the Rim Country after 20 years in exile. Life was very hard and they were under constant pressure from the government to return to the San Carlos Reservation. Under the leadership of Chief Milton Campbell and with the support of others, the Tonto Apaches were ultimately officially recognized as a tribe on October 6, 1972, which is celebrated today as Tribal Recognition Day. On May 31, 1974, the 85-acre reservation was signed by President Nixon for the use and benefit of the Tonto Apache Tribe.
The Tonto Apache Tribe opened a smoke shop in 1986 with a few slot machines in the shop. These slot machines were confiscated by FBI agents in May of 1992. In 1993, the Tonto Apache Tribe signed a compact with the State of Arizona to conduct gaming activities, and the first casino opened shortly afterwards. This temporary facility was a small modular building with 90 slot machines and a small snack bar. A permanent 35,000 square foot facility opened on April 2, 1995 with an expansion of 53,000 square feet added on August 6, 2007. The expansion included a 40-suite hotel. Today the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino is one of the largest employers in the area with exceptional benefits for all full-time Team Members.