The town of Cananea had been a Mexican town until June 14, 1881, when it and the whole territory of Sonora transferred ownership to the Confederate States. After defeating all US Forces in the southern New Mexico Territory, Confederate General Jeb Stuart returned to Sonora and the town of Cananea, where he made his headquarters for the duration of the war. The locals proved very friendly to their new masters but were openly hostile towards the Apache Indians with whom they frequently clashed.