MONTEZUMA—KING OF MEXICO
Montezuma was the ninth king of Mexico and a powerful general of the Aztec tribes. When Hernando Cortez conquered Mexico in the early part of the sixteenth century, Montezuma was the dominant war chief of the Western Hemisphere and was held in fear by other tribes. He tried, however, to avoid war with the Spaniards and welcomed them to the capitol. Cortez, having thus obtained an advantage, held Montezuma and the city captive. In the succeeding battles, Montezuma was killed by his own people.
The name has retained historically romantic significance and occurs frequently throughout the Southwest. It is appropriate for this forest where most of the names and many of the customs are of Spanish origin.