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.