Geronimo - Native American History - HISTORY.com Google When Geronimo died, he had been a legend for more than a generation. But his courage and determination did more than provide a battle cry for paratroopers of another day. It helped sustain the spirits of his people, the Chiricahua Apaches, in the last desperate days of the Indian wars. Geronimo was born in the upper Gila River country of Arizona . He came to maturity in the final years of Mexican rule of the region. His antagonism toward the Mexicans was as deep-rooted as it was understandable. In one fateful encounter, Mexican soldiers killed his mother, his wife, and his three small children. This tragic event steeled the young man for a long life of frequent conflict. In 1848, soon after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , in which Mexico ceded extensive lands in the Southwest to the United States, the Anglo-Americans made it clear they intended to restrict the old patterns of raiding and territorial use by the different Apache bands. The Anglo-American mines, ranches, and communities disrupted established Apache lifeways. The intruders set limits on where the Apaches could live and how.

The Apaches, of course, had other ideas. The initial reservation established for the Chiricahua Apaches in 1872 included at least a portion of their homeland. The Chiricahuas were unhappy with the prospect of any reservation life, but their dismay turned to anger when they were evicted from this reserve and forcibly gathered with other Apache groups on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona in the mid-1870s. Geronimo bitterly resented the move, and he especially disliked San Carlos. For the next decade he and his followers repeatedly broke out from what they saw as imprisonment. Once clear of San Carlos, they were difficult to locate and bring back, for they knew well the country of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Time after time, Geronimo sought a more unfettered existence, despite the best efforts of the U.S. Army. Geronimo’s repeated escapes embarrassed and provoked politicians, army officers, and the non-Indian populace of the Southwest. His very name brought terror to the people who continually heard of his evading capture and occasionally killing Anglo-Americans and Mexicans. Territorial newspaper headlines blared his name, time and again. His final surrender to Gen.

Nelson Miles in Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, just north of the Mexican border, on September 4, 1886, truly marked the end of a chapter in Apache and western American history. It meant exile for himself and almost four hundred of his fellows. They were sent by train to incarceration at Fort Pickens, Florida ; Mount Vernon Barracks, Alabama ; and finally, in 1894, Fort Sill, near Lawton, Oklahoma . Geronimo spent more than fourteen years at Fort Sill, although he was allowed sporadically to appear at world’s fairs and other gatherings. He was a celebrity in defeat but still a captive when he died and was buried at Fort Sill in the new state of Oklahoma. Angie Debo, Geronimo: The Man, His Time, His Place (1976). PETER IVERSON The Reader’s Companion to American History. Eric Foner and John A. Garraty, Editors. Copyright © 1991 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Tags Native History: Geronimo Is Last Native Warrior to Surrender - Indian Country Media Network Geronimo spent his life resisting colonization of his homeland in the Southwest. Native History: Geronimo Is Last Native Warrior to Surrender Alysa Landry • September 4, 2013 This Date in Native History: On September 4, 1886, the great Apache warrior Geronimo surrendered in Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, after fighting for his homeland for almost 30 years. He was the last American Indian warrior to formally surrender to the United States. Born in June 1829 near the Gila River in Arizona, Geronimo was a mild-mannered youth, said Mark Megehee, museum specialist at the Fort Sill Museum in Oklahoma. His birth name was Goyalkla or “One Who Yawns.” At age 17, Geronimo married Alope, with whom he had three children. His life changed in 1858 when a company of Mexican soldiers led by Colonel Jose Maria Carrasco attacked the Apaches and murdered Geronimo’s wife, mother and children.

“Carrasco said he struck and meant to rub out every man, woman and child of the Apaches, but the warriors by and large escaped while their families were the ones that were slaughtered,” said Megehee, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma. “That changed the personality of Geronimo. His friends noticed he was no longer mild and pleasant to deal with. He was unexpectedly violent and had a temper. He became very grieving, but he was going to settle the score.” In his own words, translated in 1909 and published in the 1996 book Geronimo: His Own Story, Geronimo described the incident. “I found that my aged mother, my young wife, and my three small children were among the slain,” he said. “There were no lights in camp, so without being noticed I silently turned away and stood by the river. How long I stood there I do not know, but when I saw the warriors arranging for a council I took my place.” Only 80 warriors remained, so the chief directed survivors to return home to Arizona, Geronimo said.

He had “no purpose left” because he “had lost all.” “I was never again contented in our quiet home,” he wrote. “I had vowed vengeance upon the Mexican troopers who had wronged me, and whenever I came near (my father’s) grave or saw anything to remind me of former happy days my heart would ache for revenge upon Mexico.” Geronimo went on to lead a band of Apache warriors throughout southern Arizona and New Mexico, successfully keeping white settlers off Apache lands for decades and becoming a “symbol of the untamed freedom of the American West.” “He was not just a tough guy, but he had leadership abilities,” Megehee said. “He looked out for men, women and children in a way that all their needs were met. Geronimo did more with less. In today’s vocabulary, he multiplied his force by stealth, by firepower and by mobility.” By 1886, however, Geronimo was tired. After leading 39 Apaches across the Southwest, running as much as 80 miles per day to stay ahead of 5,000 white soldiers, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson A. Miles on September 4.

Miles, in his memoirs, described Geronimo as “one of the brightest, most resolute, determined-looking men I have ever encountered.” After his trial, Geronimo was put to work as a prisoner of war, doing heavy labor for the South Pacific Railroad. This was in violation of the agreement he made with the U.S. when he surrendered. He spent the rest of his life as a prisoner of war and a scout for the U.S. Army, though he gained popularity as an attraction at the St. Louis World's Fair and Wild West shows. He also was one of six Indians to march in the 1905 inaugural parade for President Theodore Roosevelt. He died at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1909, still on the federal payroll as a scout. Read More in Wild West Magazine Subscribe online and save nearly 40%!!! Geronimo has achieved a notoriety accorded to only a very few American Indians. One could argue that his fame stems from the fact that his surrender in 1886 effectively marked the end of Indian resistance in North America.

This once obscure Apache warrior, not even recognized by most Americans until he was in his mid-50s, has today become a legend of mythical proportions, and his fame steadily continues to grow. This article was written by Edwin R. Sweeney and originally published in the October 2006 issue of Wild West Magazine. For more great articles, subscribe to Wild West magazine today! Featured Article General Nelson Miles and the Expedition to Capture Geronimo By Louis Kraft On March 27, 1886, Geronimo and Naiche, the hereditary Chiricahua chieftain, along with the remnants of their band of Chiricahua Apaches, surrendered to General George Crook at Cañon de los Embudos, Sonora, Mexico. That surrender should have ended the last Apache war. Should have. It did not. Instead, it set in motion a series of events that would resurrect a lieutenant’s career that had all but ended when he stood up for Indian rights. Geronimo began drinking after the surrender. At the second camp on the trip back to the United States, he, Naiche and 34 other men, women and children slipped into the night and vanished.

In short order, Crook resigned as commander of the Department of Arizona (April 1), and General Nelson Miles, who had campaigned for his assignment, replaced him (April 11). Miles immediately dumped Crook’s strategy of using Indians to defeat Indians. Reducing Indians to auxiliary duty only, Miles assembled 5,000 U.S. troops to patrol the international border and guard all known water holes. Using the U.S. 4th Cavalry as his primary offensive weapon, he began sending seek-and-destroy missions into Mexico. Three months passed. Geronimo and those with him were worn out, hungry and shot up. Even so, they avoided capture. Miles had no intention of sharing Crook’s fate. While continuing the hunt, he decided to send an officer into Mexico to negotiate with Geronimo. Although he was unsure who to select, he knew the officer had to be a Crook man (none of his own men knew the Chiricahuas). Unfortunately, two of the three men perfectly fitted for the assignment were no longer available: Captain Emmet Crawford was dead, and Lieutenant Britton Davis had resigned his commission. That left the Crook outcast–Lieutenant Charles Gatewood.

The Apaches called Gatewood Bay-chen-daysen, which translates to ‘Long Nose. Tall, slender and Southern born, Gatewood graduated from West Point in 1877. Shortly after reporting for duty with the 6th U.S. Cavalry at Fort Apache, Arizona Territory, in 1878, he became a veteran Indian campaigner. By 1884, Gatewood had emerged as one of Crook’s handpicked subalterns to bring peace to the Southwest. An experienced commander of Apache scouts, he also served as military commandant of the White Mountain Indian Reservation, headquartered at Fort Apache. His career looked promising. Then he arrested Thomas Zuck, a territorial judge, for defrauding his wards. When Crook asked him to drop the charges, Gatewood refused. This set off a series of litigations that led to the end of Gatewood’s working relationship with Crook and the Apaches but ultimately to his participation in the last Apache war. On July 13, 1886, Miles summoned Gatewood–who knew every member of the hostile band–to his office in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory.

He ordered the lieutenant to take two Chiricahua guides, find the elusive warring Apaches in Mexico and demand their surrender. Gatewood balked. The mission sounded like a fool’s errand. Besides, he was not healthy; his arthritic body could not handle a prolonged campaign in the wilds of Mexico. Miles offered to eventually make the lieutenant his aide-de-camp. The position appealed to Gatewood. After outfitting at Fort Bowie, Arizona Territory, he set out with Martine (a Nednhi Chiricahua) and Kayitah (who was either a Nednhi or a Chokonen Chiricahua), both of whom were related to members of the hostile band; interpreter George Wratten; and packer Frank Huston. Everyone rode mules. Courier Tex Whaley joined Gatewood before he dropped into Mexico on July 19. Gatewood traveled eastward in Sonora, cut through the Guadalupe Mountains and into Chihuahua. The trek south played havoc with his health. His joints ached, he suffered from dysentery, and he had an inflamed bladder.

When he reached Carretas on July 21, Lieutenant James Parker, who had supposedly followed Geronimo’s trail, told him there was no trail to follow. Gatewood refused to quit. After resting for six days, he set out to find Captain Henry Lawton (U.S. 4th Cavalry), who was leading Miles’ primary seek-and-destroy column in the field. Lawton was somewhere to the south in the Sierra Madre. After traveling 150 miles, on August 3 Gatewood found Lawton on the Aros River. Lawton–who also had no idea where the hostiles were–was not pleased with Gatewood’s appearance. After making it clear he intended to hunt Geronimo down and kill him, Lawton allowed Gatewood to join his command. Rains pounded the earth nightly. During daylight hours, a merciless sun reached 117 degrees. Days passed. Lawton meandered one way and then another. He found nothing. During this time, Gatewood’s health continued to deteriorate. On August 8 he asked Leonard Wood, Lawton’s surgeon and second-in-command, to medically discharge him. Wood refused.

While moving northward, on August 18, Lawton and Gatewood heard that two Apache women had opened negotiations for peace at the pueblo of Fronteras, some 70 miles to the northwest. Gatewood, with Kayitah, Martine, Wratten, several packers and six of Lawton’s men, set out for Fronteras the next morning at 2 a.m. He rode and walked 55 miles, arriving at Cuchuta late that night. On August 20, Gatewood pushed on the remaining 15 miles to Fronteras. He presented himself to Jesus Aguirre, the prefecto of the Sonaran district of Arispe, to which Fronteras belonged. The meeting did not go well. Aguirre did not support Gatewood’s mission. After his interview with Aguirre, Gatewood camped with an assembly of American troops three miles below Fronteras. After dark, Aguirre visited the American camp. Although Aguirre told several officers he did not want them present when he negotiated peace with Geronimo, he told Gatewood he hoped to get the Apaches drunk and then massacre them.

During the next two days Gatewood made no attempt to contact Geronimo. When Lawton heard, he rode to Fronteras to find out why. However, before he saw Gatewood, he got drunk. Wood, who had accompanied Lawton, assumed command and ordered Gatewood to find Geronimo. Gatewood told Aguirre he had ended his search for Geronimo and would rejoin Lawton’s command. At dusk, the lieutenant moved south. He enlisted two additional interpreters, Tom Horn and Jesus Maria Yestes, and between six and eight soldiers. Horn was serving as chief of scouts for one of the columns in Mexico; Yestes lived in Fronteras. Gatewood had no intention of rejoining Lawton. The march was little more than an act to convince anyone who watched that he would rejoin Lawton. After traveling six miles, it was dark enough for his purposes. Gatewood ducked into an arroyo, then turned eastward into the mountains. Shortly after midnight, he turned northward, toward Fronteras. Early on August 23, he found the trail of the two Apache women who had spoken with Aguirre.

It led eastward, down the mountain toward the Bavispe River. By the time Gatewood reached the Bavispe, all signs indicated that the Chiricahuas were close. Gnarly crags towered above. Fearing ambush, Gatewood slowed his pace to a crawl. The following morning the women’s tracks joined Geronimo’s. Gatewood followed them through a canyon and into the valley of the Bavispe. Just past noon, he reached a canebrake below a peak that offered a good view of the surrounding country. After setting up camp, he sent Kayitah and Martine out to find Geronimo. During the wait, Gatewood sent several messengers back to Lawton. Anticipating meeting Geronimo the next day, he requested tobacco and supplies. Lieutenant Robert Brown (4th Cavalry) and 30 Indian scouts showed up at Gatewood’s camp shortly before Martine returned by himself at sundown. Kayitah had remained at the Chiricahua stronghold. Martine described the stronghold as an exceedingly rocky position high up in the [Teres] mountains in the bend of the Bavispe.

Martine said that Geronimo and Naiche wanted to talk peace–but only with Gatewood. On August 25, an anxious Gatewood packed 15 pounds of tobacco, cigarette papers, and matches that had arrived from Lawton during the night. He moved out at sunrise. Martine led the way, and Brown’s scouts served as escort. After traveling several miles along the canyon floor, Gatewood began to ascend the mountain that Geronimo held. An unarmed Chiricahua warrior appeared, then three armed warriors. Geronimo would meet at the bend of the river where there was water, wood, grass and shade, but only if Brown’s Indian scouts left. Gatewood sent Brown back to the canebrake. Gatewood, with Martine, Wratten, Yestes, Horn, maybe one soldier and the four Chiricahuas, reached the bend of the Bavispe shortly after 8 a.m. Suddenly, armed warriors appeared on the mountain and began their descent. We were very anxious for a few minutes, Martine remembered, thinking that maybe Geronimo had changed his mind and meant trouble for us. It was too late to run.

When the Chiricahuas reached the mountain base, they vanished, only to explode out of the bush from different directions. Some 35 to 40 Chiricahuas, including 21 warriors, surrounded Gatewood. Kayitah appeared. There was no sign of Geronimo. Gatewood greeted everyone, then took off his arms. The Indians immediately asked for tobacco and alcohol. Gatewood had no alcohol, but passed out the makings for smokes. Everyone rolled cigarettes and lighted up. Geronimo appeared, set his Winchester down and crossed to Gatewood. As they shook hands, Geronimo said Anzhoo–How are you? Before Gatewood could reply, Geronimo commented on the lieutenant’s thinness and apparent bad health and asked him what was the matter. Gatewood answered and they sat down together–too close for the lieutenant’s comfort. Gatewood asked about the negotiations with the Mexicans. Geronimo explained that he wanted supplies, mescal and time to rest and figured the Mexicans would let him have those things if they thought he would surrender to them. The moment of reckoning had arrived.

With warriors surrounding him and Geronimo staring at him, Gatewood felt chilly twitching movements. He said, I am directed by General Miles to ask the surrender of yourself and followers to the United States government. On what conditions? Geronimo asked. An unconditional surrender. Feeling his way carefully, Gatewood continued: Surrender and you will be sent to join the rest of your people in Florida, there to await the decision of the President as to your final disposition. Accept these terms or fight it out to the bitter end. Silence. Geronimo rubbed his face, his eyes. Then, holding his arms before Gatewood, made them tremble. We have been on a three days’ drunk, Geronimo said. The Mexicans expected to play their usual trick of getting us drunk and killing us, but we have had the fun; and now I feel a little shaky. [We] can’t surrender. [We do] not want to go to Florida. He then said, [We want] to go back to the White Mountains the same as before. Gatewood told Geronimo that he had no authority to offer terms.

If I was authorized to accede to these modest propositions, the war might be considered at an end right there, the lieutenant said. After Geronimo recited all the wrongs done to his people, the talk turned to what the Chiricahuas should do. Warrior tempers flared. They moved away from Gatewood to speak in private. Geronimo resumed negotiations with Gatewood after a lunch break. He said he wanted the usual terms, including no punishment. Geronimo then snapped: To expect [us] to give up the whole Southwest to a race of intruders [is] too much….[We] are willing to cede all of it except the reservation. [We] will move back on that land or fight till the last one of [us] is dead. Geronimo looked Gatewood square in the eye. Take us to the reservation or fight. Gatewood could do neither. Surrounded, he could not even run. It did not look good. Naiche spoke for the first time, saying that Gatewood had come in peace and would be allowed to leave in peace. Breathing easier, Gatewood decided to gamble and say a truth that had not happened yet.

He told Geronimo and Naiche that the rest of their people had been removed to Florida. These words shocked the Indians. [Are you] telling the truth, or…[is this] a trick to get [us] in the white man’s clutches? Geronimo asked. Abruptly, Geronimo, Naiche and the others moved to the other side of the canebrake. An hour later they returned to Gatewood. Nothing had changed–a return to the reservation or fight. Gatewood passed out more tobacco and paper. Everyone rolled cigarettes and smoked. The talk drifted from the problem at hand, easing the tension. Hours passed. Everyone ate, smoked, joked and drank muddy warm water from the river. When Gatewood prepared to leave, Geronimo stopped him. We want your advice, he said. Consider yourself one of us and not a white man. Remember all that has been said today, and as an Apache what would you advise us to do under the circumstances? I would trust General Miles and take him at his word, Gatewood replied. Geronimo said he would announce their decision in the morning. You can come to our camp anywhere, he said. Never fear harm.

Gatewood shook hands all around, mounted and left. Night had fallen by the time Gatewood reached his bivouac. He told Lawton, who had arrived in the afternoon, that Geronimo declined to make an unconditional surrender. Next morning scouts yelled for Gatewood. Geronimo, Naiche and several others appeared beyond the picket line and wanted to see him. Gatewood took Wratten, Yestes and Horn and met the Apaches. Geronimo said: If you will give your word that we can meet General Miles with safety, we will go to him and accept his terms. We will throw ourselves on his mercy, something we have never done before. He then insisted upon several conditions: (1) Lawton would follow the Indians back to the United States to protect them from Mexican and American troops; (2) both parties would have the freedom of the other’s camp; (3) the Indians would keep their weapons until they surrendered; and (4) Gatewood would march and sleep with the Indians. Gatewood accepted the terms. Gatewood led the Apaches into the white bivouac and introduced them to Lawton, who also agreed to the terms set forth by Geronimo.

They selected Skeleton Canyon, some 35 miles north of Mexico on the Arizona­New Mexico border, as the location for the official surrender to Miles. The two groups left on the morning of August 28. Gatewood and Geronimo kept to the foothills, while Lawton’s command skirted the San Bernardino River. That afternoon after the two camps were set up, Aguirre and his army approached from the west. Geronimo thought the Americans intended to join forces with the Mexicans. Gatewood told him that this was not true, that the Americans would stop the Mexicans while he ran with the Chiricahuas. Everyone mounted and moved northward. Aguirre met Lawton and demanded the Indians be punished. Lawton said no, the Chiricahuas had surrendered to the Americans. Then, to avoid a clash, Lawton set up a meeting with Geronimo. Aguirre and six men, along with Lawton and his officers, arrived at the designated location first. No one dismounted. Suddenly, Geronimo walked in from the bush. He carried a Winchester; a revolver dangled on his left hip.

An unarmed Gatewood followed him, then Wratten, Naiche and four others. The Indians held cocked rifles. They crossed half the distance to the Mexicans and halted. The Mexicans didn’t move. Several nervously clutched their revolvers. Finally, they dismounted and walked forward. Gatewood introduced Aguirre and Geronimo. When Aguirre reached to shake hands, Geronimo dropped his free hand to his revolver, then changed his mind and shook the prefecto‘s hand. Unnerved, Aguirre grabbed his revolver. Too close for comfort, Gatewood backed up. He later claimed that the whites of Geronimo’s eyes turned red. The old warrior gripped his revolver a second time. Aguirre fidgeted, then let go of his gun. So did Geronimo, averting gunplay. Aguirre asked Geronimo why he did not surrender to him. Geronimo snapped that he did not want to be murdered. Next, Aguirre stated he intended to accompany the Chiricahuas to the border. No, you are going south and I am going north, Geronimo said.

I’ll have nothing to do with you nor with any of your people. The conference ended. That night Gatewood realized that he had a major problem. The Indians still believed that the Mexicans and Americans might join forces and kill them. After discussing the problem with Kayitah, Martine and Wratten, he suggested to Geronimo that he and his band run for the border–about 30 miles to the north–while the Americans remained behind with the Mexicans. The Indians agreed. After selling the plan to Lawton, Gatewood departed. As daylight arrived on August 29, Gatewood and his companions were exhausted, but they pressed onward. Lawton, Wood and several soldiers then caught up to them. The Mexicans had gone off and would not cause problems. Everyone waited for Lawton’s command to appear. It never did. Lawton sent Wood’s orderly back to find the troops. When the orderly failed to return, Lawton set out to find his missing command. Gatewood–with Wood in attendance–and the Chiricahuas resumed their trek after dark. After traveling eight miles, Geronimo halted at a defensible position east of the San Bernardino.

At dawn on the 30th, they moved on, reaching Alias Creek by midmorning. Everyone was tired and hungry. Gatewood and Geronimo halted for the day. Soon after, Wood left to find Lawton. Lawton had found his command. By the time Wood reached it, however, Lawton had set out for the nearest heliographic station to send a message to Miles. Lieutenant Abiel Smith (4th Cavalry) was now in command. This development came about when Lawton confided to Smith that he was nervous about keeping his promise of delivering the hostiles safely. I haven’t promised them anything, Smith told Lawton. You…communicate with Miles and I’ll take command. Smith and Wood decided not to wait for Lawton to return. They set out for Geronimo’s camp. On August 31 both outfits broke camp at 7 a.m. The soldiers maintained a discreet distance. That morning a messenger overtook Smith and Wood. It is unknown what the communiqué stated. However, it must have been strong for it changed their outlook. The Apaches became nervous when they approached Guadalupe Canyon, which marks the entrance into the United States.

It was here, 15 months earlier, that they had killed some of Lawton’s men. Although Gatewood tried to reassure them, he could not change the destination. Guadalupe Canyon contained much needed water. As soon as the two camps were set up, warriors rode to the soldier camp to study the back trail and watch the Americans. Ignoring his Indian guests, Smith reviewed the situation with his fellow officers. He wanted to disarm the Chiricahuas and make them true prisoners. Smith underestimated the Indians’ comprehension of English and spoke openly. We had quite a discussion about the matter, Wood wrote, and it was arranged that in case of any ugly spirit breaking out during the conference or the Indians refusing to be reasonable that each man should kill the Indian next to him. The warriors got the gist of what he proposed. They raced back to Gatewood and Geronimo and reported that Smith expressed a desire to pitch in with the troop and have it out right there. Panic reigned. As the Chiricahuas mounted and hustled to get out of the canyon, the soldiers started for Geronimo’s camp.

Wratten, who had also been in the white camp, told Gatewood that Smith and Wood approached at a leisurely pace. Gatewood leaped on his mule and raced after the fleeing Geronimo. After catching him, he repeated what he had just heard. Geronimo slowed his mount to a walk. What…should [you] do in case [we are] fired on by the troops? he asked. I [will] proceed toward the troops and endeavor to have the firing stopped, Gatewood replied. Otherwise I [will] run away with [you]. They kept moving until they found a defensible spot. After setting up camp, Gatewood took Geronimo and Wratten and rode back to confront the white men. When he saw the soldiers in the distance, he halted and waited as the Americans came forward in single file. Gatewood asked what the officers wanted. Smith said he wanted to meet with the Chiricahuas. Gatewood said there would be no meeting. Smith cited his seniority in rank and demanded a meeting. Gatewood refused. Tempers flared. Finally, Gatewood stated he knew Smith’s real objective: the proposed murder of Geronimo.

When Smith continued to insist upon the meeting, Gatewood threatened to blow the head off the first man if he didn’t stop. Wood happened to be first in line. Sensing the reality of Gatewood’s threat, he pulled back and sent an orderly to fetch Lawton. Smith, now first in line, also backed down. Murder had been averted. The refugees reached Skeleton Canyon without further incident. Geronimo surrendered on September 3, 1886, Naiche surrendered on September 4, and the last Apache war ended. This article was written by Louis Kraft and originally appeared in the October 1999 issue of Wild West magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to Wild West magazine today! More Geronimo Articles Apache Chiefs and Leaders - Access Genealogy Apache Chiefs and Leaders Updated: August 10, 2014 | Arizona , Native American , New Mexico | 0 | Geronimo Geronimo (Spanish for Jerome, applied by the Mexicans as a nickname; native name Goyathlay, `one who yawns’).

A medicine man and prophet of the Chiricahua Apache who, in the latter part of the 19th century, acquired notoriety through his opposition to the authorities and by systematic and sensational advertising; born about 1834 at the headwaters of Gila River, New Mexico, near old Ft Tulerosa. His father was Taklishim, ‘The Gray One,’ who was not a chief, although his father (Geronimo’s grandfather) assumed to be a chief without heredity or election. Geronimo’s mother was known as Juana. When it was decided, in 1876, in consequence of depredations committed in Sonora, of which the Mexican government complained, to remove the Chiricahua from their reservation on the south frontier to San Carlos, Arizona, Geronimo and others of the younger chiefs fled into Mexico. He was arrested later when he returned with his band to Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, and tilled the ground in peace on San Carlos reservation until the Chiricahua became discontented because the Government would not help them irrigate their lands.

In 1882 Geronimo led one of the hands that raided in Sonora and surrendered when surrounded by Gen. George H. Crook’s force in the Sierra Madre. He had one of the best farms at San Carlos, when trouble arose in 1854 in consequence of the attempt of the authorities to stop the making of tiswin, the native intoxicant. During 1884-85 he gathered a band of hostiles, who terrorized the inhabitants of south Arizona and New Mexico, as well as of Sonora and Chihuahua, in Mexico. Gen. Crook proceeded against them with instructions to capture or destroy the chief and his followers. In March 1886, a truce was made, followed by a conference, at which the terms of surrender were agreed on; but Geronimo and his followers having again fled to the Sierra Madre across the Mexican frontier, and Gen. Miles having been placed in command, active operations were renewed and their surrender was ultimately effected in the following August.

The entire band, numbering about 340, including Geronimo and Nachi, the hereditary chief, were deported as prisoners of war, first to Florida and later to Alabama, being finally settled at Ft Sill, Oklahoma, where they now (1904) reside under military supervision and in prosperous condition, being industrious workers and careful spenders. (J. M. C. T. ) Consult further: Cochise Cochise Cochise. A Chiricahua Apache chief, son and successor of Nachi. Although constantly at feud with the Mexicans, he gave no trouble to the Americans until after he went, in 1861, under a flag of truce, to the camp of a party of soldiers to deny that his tribe had abducted a white child. The commanding officer was angered by this and ordered the visiting chiefs seized and bound because they would not confess. One was killed and four were caught, but Cochise, cutting through the side of a tent, made his escape with three bullets in his body and immediately began hostilities to avenge his companions, who were hanged by the Federal troops. The troops were forced to retreat, and white settlements in Arizona were laid waste.

Soon afterward the military posts were abandoned, the troops being recalled to take part in the Civil war. This convinced the Apache that they need only to fight to prevent Americans front settling in their country. Cochise and Mangos Coloradas defended Apache pass in southeast Arizona against the Californians, who marched under Gen. Carleton to reopen communication between the Pacific coast and the east. The howitzers of the California volunteers put the Apache to flight. When United States troops returned to resume the occupancy of the country after the close of the Civil war, a war of extermination was carried on against the Apache. Cochise did not surrender till September, 1871. When orders came to transfer his people from Canada Alamosa to the new Tularosa reservation, in New Mexico, he escaped with a hand of 200 in the spring of 1872, and his example was followed by 600 others. After the Chiricahua reservation was established Arizona, in the summer of 1872, he carne in, and there died in peace June 8, 1874. He was succeeded as chief by his son Taza.

The southeastern most county of Arizona bears Cochise’s name. Consult further: Nahche Nahche Nahche (Na-ai-che, `mischievous,’ `meddlesome.’-George Wrattan). An Apache warrior, a member of the Chiricahua band. He is the second son of the celebrated Cochise, and as hereditary chief succeeded his elder brother, Tazi, on the death of the latter. His mother was a daughter of the notorious Mangas Coloradas. As a child Nahche was meddlesome and mischievous, hence his name. He was the leading spirit in the many raids that almost desolated the smaller settlements of Arizona and New Mexico and of northern Chihuahua and Sonora between 1881 and 1886, for which Geronimo’s, a Medicine-man and malcontent rather than a warrior, received the chief credit.

In the latter year Geronimo’s band, so called, of which Nahche was actually the chief, was captured by General Miles and taken as prisoners of war successively to Florida, Alabama, and finally to Ft Sill, Okla., where Nahche still resides, respected by his own people as well as by the whites. He is now (1907) about 49 years of age. In his prime as a warrior he was described as supple and graceful, with long, flexible hands, and a rather handsome face. His present height is 5 ft. 10½ in. Col. H. L. Scott 1Information from Geo. Wrattan, official interpreter, 1907. , for four years in charge of the Chiricahua prisoners in Oklahoma, speaks of Nahche as a most forceful and reliable man, faithfully performing the duties assigned to him as a prisoner, whether watched or not. He was proud and self-respecting, and was regarded by the Chiricahua at Ft Sill as their leader. In recent years, however, he has lost his old-time influence as well as some of his trustworthiness. 2Information from Geo.

Wrattan, official interpreter, 1907. Consult further: Biography of Nahche, an Apache Warrior Nakaidoklin Nakaidoklini (? ‘freckled Mexican’ Matthews) An Apache medicine-man called Babbyduclone, Barbudeclenny, Bobby-dok-linny, Nakydoklunni, Nock-ay-Delklinne, etc., by the whites, influential among the White Mountain Indians in 1881, near Camp Apache, Arizona. He taught them a new dance, claiming it would bring dead warriors to life. In an attempt to arrest him, August 30, the Apache scouts with the troops turned upon the soldiers, resulting in a fight in which several were killed on each side, including the medicine-man himself. Consult further: Bourke in 9th Rep. B. A. E. 505, 1892; Mooney in 14th Rep. B.A.E. 704, 1896. Mangas Coloradas Mangas Coloradas (Span: `red sleeves’) . A Mimbreños Apache chief. He pledged friendship to the Americans when Gen. S. W.

Kearny took possession of New Mexico in 1846. The chief stronghold of the Mimbreños at that time was at the Santa Rita copper mines, south west New Mexico, where they had killed the miners in 1837 to avenge a massacre committed by white trappers who invited a number of Mimbreños to a feast and murdered them to obtain the bounty of $100 offered by the state of Chihuahua for every Apache scalp. When the boundary commission made its headquarters at Santa Rita trouble arose over the taking from the Mimbreños Apache of some Mexican captives and over the murder of an Indian by a Mexican whom the Americans refused to hang on the spot: The Mimbreños retaliated by stealing some horses and mules belonging to the commission, and when the commissioners went on to survey another section of the boundary the Indians conceived that they had driven them away. In consequence of indignities received at the hands of miners at the Pinos Altos gold mines, by whom he was bound and whipped,- Mangas Coloradas collected a large band of Apache and became the scourge of the white settlements for years.

He formed an alliance with Cochise to resist the Californian volunteers who reoccupied the country when it was abandoned by troops at the beginning of the Civil war, and was wounded in an engagement at Apache pass, south east Arizona, that grew out of a misunderstanding regarding a theft of cattle. His men took him to Janos, in Chihuahua, and left him in the care of a surgeon with a warning that the town would be destroyed in case he were not cured: According to one account, soon after his recovery he was taken prisoner in Jan., 1863, by the Californians and was killed while attempting to escape, goaded, it is said, with a red-hot bayonet 3Dunn, Massacres of the Mountains , 365, 374, 382, 1886 , while Bell 4Bell, New Tracks, II, 24, 1869 states that in 1862 he was induced to enter Ft McLane, New Mexico, on the plea of making a treaty and receiving presents. The soldiers imprisoned him in a hut, and at night a sentry shot him under the pretext that he feared the Indian would escape.

Consult further: Significant Native American Leaders Blog Significant Native American Leaders The leaders of Native American tribes have played a significant role in the history of the United States, in particular its expansion across the North American continent. While their lands were snatched up piecemeal by land-thirsty settlers, miners, and others, these brave leaders listed below, and many others, worked in battle and in peace to protect their land and their people. The following is a sampler of their efforts: Powhatan proved he could overcome most obstacles to co-exist with the Pilgrims. He also maintained peace with Jamestown settlers for many years, even after his daughter Pocahontas was kidnapped. Massasoit (Ousamequin) Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Massasoit cultivated harmonious relations with the colonists, being especially helpful to the Pilgrims in their early travails. Powhatan; Confederation of Algonquin tribes Virginia Daughter of Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas supposedly saved John Smith `s life when he was threatened by tribal members. Her marriage to John Rolfe ushered in eight years of good relations between the Indians and the colonists.

1600s Lenape Nation New England Selling land to Roger Williams in 1636, Canonicus agreed to fight alongside the colonists in the Pequot War . But in 1675, a Narragansett settlement was mauled in the Great Swamp Fight, greatly reducing Narragansett numbers and influence. Tamanend ; also "The Affable" Lenape Nation New England Tamanend, adopted by the colonists as a patron saint prior to the American Revolution , signed land treaties with William Penn in 1683 that later comprised Penn`s Woods ( Pennsylvania ). Chief of the Unami clan, he was immortalized with a statue in Philadelphia . Church bells in Philadelphia were rung to celebrate this "saint" on May 1. Metacom (known as Metacomet, Pometacom, King Philip) 1638-1676 Wampanoag Eastern side of Narragansett Bay Son of Massasoit, Metacom was forced to sign a new peace agreement at Taunton in 1671; Metacom`s dignity and unbending spirit impressed and frightened settlers. Violence led to King Philip`s War .

Hostilities ceased when Philip (Metacom) was betrayed, captured, and brutally murdered. Hancock or King Hancock New Bern, North Carolina Chief Hancock assembled 500 neighboring Indians to eradicate settlers for frequently raiding his village, kidnaping women and children, and selling them as slaves. Northern Tuscarora tribe chief Tom Blunt captured Hancock during the Tuscarora War and he was executed by settlers in 1712. 1700s Shawnee Northwest Territory Considered a leader of an "inferior force," Blue Jacket opposed such labeling and emerged as the war leader of the Shawnee Confederacy. In opposition, General Anthony Wayne`s army moved out of Greenville (Ohio) with 2,000 regulars, known as the Legion of the United States, and 1,500 volunteers July 1794. A great battle took place the following month. Techumseh Shawnee Northwest Territory Tecumseh saw action at the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794). Bitterly disappointed by his people`s plight, he refused to sign the Treaty of Greenville in 1795.

He joined the British in the War of 1812 , followed them as they were pushed back into Canada, and was killed in 1813 at the Battle of the Thames. Puget Sound, Washington Orator Sealth helped protect the small band of European-American Seattle settlers from attacks by other Indians. Because of his friendship and help, the settlers named their city after him. At the presentation of treaty proposals in 1854, the aging Chief Seattle delivered a widely remembered speech. Captured by members of the Hidatsa tribe as a girl and sold into slavery, Sakajawea and her young son traveled with husband Toussaint Charbonneau, along with explorers Lewis and Clark , on the Oregon Trail in 1805. Mangas Coloradas ("Red Sleeves") Southwestern New Mexico Mangas sought friendly relations with the miners at their Pinos Altos camp, who were under constant Indian threat. After they brutally beat him, Mangas and Chief Cochise drove the miners out. Mangas met with a militia officer in 1863, was taken to Ft.

McLane, imprisoned, and brutally killed "while trying to escape." 1800s Brulï¿½ Lakota (Sioux) Wyoming Chosen to represent the Lakota at the Ft. Laramie treaty council in 1851, Conquering Bear advocated peace. He was shot after refusing to turn over the Miniconjou Lakota warrior who had killed and eaten a stray cow from a Mormon wagon train. South Dakota American Horse served with Chiefs Crazy Horse , Sitting Bull , and others during the Plains Indian War. During the Bozeman Trail War (Red Cloud`s War, 1860s), American Horse rode with Red Cloud, served as a principal military leader at the Battle of the Little Big Horn , and was killed in the massacre at Slim Buttes. Hototo (also: Lean Elk, Little Tobacco, and Poker Joe) ?-1877 Nez Percï¿½ Montana War chief with Chief Joseph, Hototo was chosen trail boss and guide of the Nez Percï¿½ after the Battle of the Big Hole that spurred his people on a 500-700 mile journey to the Missouri River with most surrendering at the Battle of Bear Paw.

During that battle, Hototo was mistakenly killed by friendly fire. Florida Leader of the Second Seminole War, which began because of Oceaola`s refusal to sign an 1835 treaty after he was released from prison. Fighting continued 20 years after he died in a Charleston, South Carolina , prison in 1838. He was buried with full military honors. Leschi Nisqually Western Washington State Once an advocate of peaceful negotiations with Indian agents, Chief Leschi entered the Puget Sound Indian War after his tribe`s land rights were terminated, and they were assigned to a small parcel of scrubland away from their home in 1855. Leschi was hanged three years later. Dohasan (Tohausen, Tï¿½h-tï¿½ot-sah, and Sierrito) 1805?-1866 Indian Territory ( Oklahoma ) and Texas Dohï¿½san was the son of Chief Dohï¿½ (Bluff), and a significant member of a long line of Kiowa chiefs. A leader for more than 30 years, Dohï¿½san was celebrated as a fierce warrior and an insightful administrator.

He also signed several treaties. Dull Knife (Morning Star, Tahmelapashme, Woheiv) 1810?-1883 Northern Cheyenne Montana, Oklahoma, Colorado , Black Hills Dull Knife signed the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. He fought in the Colorado Cheyenne-Arapaho War; and War for the Black Hills, which included the Battle of the Rosebud , Battle of the Little Big Horn , and others. Satank (Setankeah or "Sitting Bear") 1810-1871 Kiowa South Dakota and Oklahoma Satank was a leader of the Koitsenko (Crazy Dog) warrior society and fought intertribal wars while in his twenties. In 1867, he represented the Kiowa at the Medicine Lodge Treaty council. Chiricahua Apaches American Southwest Drawn into conflict during the Bascom Affair, Cochise became chief after father-in-law Mangas Coloradas was killed in 1863. He fought a relentless guerrilla war against U.S. cavalry for nine years, until signing a treaty that established a reservation on his native land.

Kiowa Oklahoma, Kansas , Colorado, Texas Leader among his tribe`s militant minority during the 1860s and `70s, Lone Wolf rallied in Washington, D.C. with other chiefs and signed the Little Arkansas Treaty. After agreeing to negotiate with Custer, he was held hostage at Fort Cobb. He secured the parole of Santana and Big Tree. Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Black Hills, South Dakota After the Sioux Wars (1876-1877), Big Foot advocated for adapting to the white men`s ways while retaining Lakota traditions. He was a strong Ghost Dance -resurgence proponent and was killed at the Wounded Knee Massacre after surrendering. Red Cloud (Makhpiyaluta Scarlet Cloud) 1822-1909 Nebraska , Montana, Wyoming , South Dakota Aiding in the U.S. government`s policy change from military pacification to one of negotiation, Red Cloud was used to persuade Crazy Horse in 1877 to surrender, only to see Crazy Horse slain in custody. He agreed to relocate his people to the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1878. Until his death at 87, Red Cloud continued to lobby from Pine Ridge.

Spotted Tail (Sinte Galeska and Jumping Buffalo) 1823-1881 Brule tribe of the Sioux Nation South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado Territory While in prison at Fort Laramie, Spotted Tail learned to read and write. He was a signer of the Fort Laramie Treaty. As adminstrator and head chief of his people, he maintained an Indian police force that kept alcohol off his reservation, and condemned threats to force the Lakota to Indian Territory. Absaroke, or Mountain Crow, tribe Montana and Wyoming Bull Chief used non-traditional techniques for spiritual and hunting successes. He was distinguished in battle against tribal enemies and recognized as the bravest warrior during the height of the buffalo culture. Victorio Arizona , New Mexico Victorio served with Mangas Coloradas and assumed the leadership position after Coloradas` death. He played a key role in the 1870s Apache uprisings. Geronimo (Goyathlay: "one who yawns") 1829-1909 Chiricahua Apache Arizona, Indian Territory, New Mexico An Apache shaman, Geronimo became chief after Cochise`s death.

When he and his followers were captured in 1886, they were forced to cut their hair, wear Western clothes, and were shackled while being transported to Alabama . He later traveled to national expositions and was a symbol of resistance to white domination. American Horse, the Younger (Wasechun-tashunka) 1830?-1908 Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Black Hills, South Dakota American Horse championed accommodation with the encroaching whites. He signed the treaty secured by the Crook Commission in 1887, which forced the Lakota to abandon half their reservation in Dakota. Santana (Set-tainte or White Bear Person) 1830-1878 Kiowa Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas , Oklahoma Santana negotiated numerous times with the American government and signed such treaties as the Little Arkansas (1865) and Medicine Lodge (1867). He fought a protracted war before settlers, miners, and others finally overwhelmed his tribe`s land.

Sitting Bull (Jumping Badger, nickname Hunkesi, Tatanka-Iyotanka) 1831-1890 Hunkpapa Lakota (Sioux) North Dakota Originally a medicine man, Sitting Bull became the first principal chief of the entire Lakota Sioux nation in 1868. Remembered as one of the greatest Indian leaders, he battled the land agreements of 1888 and 1889, which threw half the Great Sioux Reservation open to white settlement. Nez Percï¿½ Pacific Northwest During the Nez Percï¿½ War, Looking Glass was one of the war chiefs who helped lead his people during their long flight to freedom across the Canadian border in 1877. He attempted to demonstrate neutrality and abstained from the conflict between the non-treaty Nez Percï¿½ bands and the U.S. government. Rain in the Face (Ito-na-gaju) 1835-1905 Hunkpapa Sioux within the Lakota Nation Dakota Territory, Wyoming and Montana Rain in the Face was one of the Sioux`s greatest and most respected war heroes.

As a war chief, he was among the Indian leaders who vanquished George A. Custer and his U.S. Army 7th Cavalry regiment at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Gall (Matohinshda: "Bear Shedding His Hair" and Pizia) 1840?-1894 Hunkpapa Teton Sioux South Dakota Orphaned by Sitting Bull, Gall played a leading role in the Lakotas` long war against the U.S. As a Hunkpapa Teton Sioux leader, he also was a commander of the Native American cavalry forces at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Gall was one of the most aggressive Sioux leaders in their last stand. Joseph (Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, In-mut-too-yah-lat-lat 1840-1904 Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana Chief Joseph, an advocate of peace, helped lead his people, along with Chief Hototo, on a 500-700 mile journey to the Missouri River. He surrendered at the Battle of Bear Paw after which he uttered his famous remarks.

He campaigned for a return to his homeland in the Wallowa Valley until his death. Nez Perce Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana Son of Chief Joseph, Ollokot played an important role in the peace initiative at Fort Walla Walla in 1877. Throughout the Nez Percï¿½ War, with never more than 250 warriors, he fought some 20 engagements and five major battles against forces of about 2,000 soldiers and others. Ollokot was killed in combat at the final battle on Snake Creek. Crazy Horse (also: Curly, his boyhood name and Tashunka Witko) 1844-1877 Lakota (Sioux) South Dakota Crazy Horse was one of the youngest Lakota in memory to receive the title Shirtwearer, one of the highest honors and responsibilities accorded to males. Committed to safeguarding the Lakota tradition and principles, he led a group of approximately 1,500 Lakota and Cheyenne in the Battle of Rosebud and a band in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Except for Gall and Sitting Bull, he was the last important chief to yield.

Manuelito (Hastiin Ch`il Haajinï¿½, Man of Blackweed) 1818?-1884 Navajo Arizona, New Mexico Manuelito, an important Navajo leader and spokesperson, opposed the killing of 60 cattle by U.S. soldiers, which eventually led to the infamous "Long Walk" to Bosque Redondo Reservation. On the 350-mile trail of death, 200 died or were killed. He witnessed the deaths of 2,000 Navajos at Bosque. He was noted for his dedication to quality education for his people. Kamiakin Yakana Indian Nation Western Washington State Kamiakan called upon tribes to oppose the 1855 Yakama Treaty, which led to the Yakima War. Along with other local Indians, they held off U.S. soldiers for about three years. In 1858, at the Battle of Four Lakes near Spokane, the Indians were decisively defeated. Kamiakan escaped to Canada.

Kicking Bear (born: Mato Wanartaka) 1853?-1904 Oglala Sioux, then Minneconjou Sioux sub-chief Montana Medicine man Kicking Bear participated in several battles during the War for the Black Hills, including the Battle of the Little Big Horn. He brought the new Ghost Dance to his people and aided in its revival. He toured with Buffalo Bill Cody`s Wild West Show in 1861 to have his sentence commuted. Ishi Nevada Having a strong background in Christian and Paiute spirituality, Wovoka revived the Ghost Dance. He was inspired to action after witnessing his people demoralized by defeat, subjugation, oppression, and segregation. Visitors from many places came to see his updated version of the Ghost Dance. Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa, Nicholas Black Elk) 1863-1950 Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Northern Great Plains In 1886, famous holy man, traditional healer, and visionary, Black Elk joined Buffalo Bill Cody`s Wild West show. Black Elk witnessed the Wounded Knee Massacre and produced two literary works.

Jim Thorpe Potawtomi Oklahoma Jim Thorpe won medals in the 1912 Olympic games in Sweden that were later stripped. He also played professional football and baseball. His feats on the football field put him on the 1911 and 1912 All-American Football teams. Dan George Tsleilwaututh Burrard Reserve, Vancouver Island Actor as well as a spokesman for his people, Dan George was nominated for Academy Award Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Little Big Man." 1900s Stillaguamish Western Washington State Esther Ross campaigned for 50 years for her people`s rights. Tribal membership rose from 29 to 160 before her death. She established fishing rights for the Stillaguamish, obtained federal recognition, and gained treaty rights that made them eligible for federal benefits. Bob Satiacum Puyallup Western Washington State Bob Satiacum, host of many "fish-ins" by the Puyallup and a user of other tactics, secured treaty-guaranteed fishing rights for his people after a 30-year fight.

Satiacum secured the return of 20 acres and $77.25 million in tribal claims. Wilma Pearl Mankiller (A-ji-luhsgi, Asgaya-dihi) 1945- Oklahoma, California, Arkansas Wilma Pearl Mankiller, first female leader of Cherokee, brought social and economic changes to her people. Reared in poverty, Mankiller received the Presidential Medal of Honor from President Bill Clinton in 1998. Biographies for Kids: Geronimo Born: June 1829 in Arizona Died: February 17, 1909 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma Best known for: Fighting against the Mexican and U.S. governments to protect his homeland Biography: Where did Geronimo grow up? Geronimo was born in eastern Arizona in the year 1829. At the time, his homeland was claimed by both the Mexican government and the Apache people. Geronimo's family was part of the Bedonkohe band of the Apache.

As a child, Geronimo went by the name Goyahkla or "One Who Yawns." His father's name was The Grey One and his mother was Juana. he grew up playing with his brothers and sisters and helping his parents out in the fields planting corn, beans, and pumpkins. While still a young boy, Geronimo trained to hunt and become a warrior. He learned how to shoot a bow and arrow and how to sneak up on a deer. He hunted all sorts of game including bears and mountain lions. He learned how to live on his own in the wild and how to survive tough conditions. Getting Married At around the age of seventeen, Geronimo became an Apache warrior. As a warrior he could get married. Geronimo was in love with a young girl named Alope from a nearby village. He presented Alope's father with a number of horses that he had taken in a raid and her father allowed them to get married. Over the next few years they had three children together. His Family is Killed One day while Geronimo and the men were off trading, the Apache camp was attacked by the Mexicans. Geronimo's wife, children, and mother were all killed.

While grieving for his lost family, Geronimo heard a voice. The voice told him that "No gun can ever kill you. I will take the bullets from the guns of the Mexicans... and I will guide your arrows." Revenge Geronimo then gathered the warriors of his village together and set off to get revenge against the Mexicans. Over the next several years, he led many raids into Mexico. He constantly harassed Mexican settlements, stealing their horses and killing their men. How did he get his name? Geronimo received his name sometime during the revenge battles with the Mexicans. No one is quite sure exactly how he got his name. Many say it was from the Mexican soldiers or from a Spanish officer who thought Geronimo reminded him of a character from a Spanish play. Battle Against the U.S. Government After the Mexican-American war, the United States claimed control over the land where the Apache lived. Geronimo and the Apache began to fight with the American settlers. After several battles with U.S. soldiers, the Apache leader Cochise made a treaty with the Americans and the Apache moved to a reservation. Evading Capture The U.S. government soon broke the promises they made in the treaty with Cochise.

Geronimo and his band of warriors continued raiding. He raided both the Mexican and the American settlements. He cleverly used the border between the two countries to evade capture. For many years, Geronimo attacked his enemies and then faded into the hills without being captured. Later Life The U.S. Army became determined to capture Geronimo. They sent thousands of troops to search the hills of Arizona in order to stop him from raiding. In 1886, they finally caught up with him and he was forced to surrender. Geronimo spent the rest of his life as a prisoner of war. Although he was eventually granted some freedom, he was never allowed to return to his homeland. He became a celebrity and even attended the 1904 World's Fair. Death Geronimo died in 1909 after being thrown from his horse. Interesting Facts about Geronimo Skydivers often yell "Geronimo" when they jump out of the airplane. Geronimo and his family were moved around to several places as prisoners including Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Oklahoma. The Australian pop band Sheppard had a hit song called Geronimo in 2014.

Geronimo once said about his childhood that "I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds, and sheltered by the trees..." For more Native American history: Culture and Overview Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe < Geronimo His own story < Biographies < American History From Revolution To Reconstruction and beyond Geronimo His own story Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe The Apache Indians are divided into six sub tribes. To one of these, the Be-don-ko-he, I belong. Our tribe inhabited that region of mountainous country which lies west from the east line of Arizona, and south from the head waters of the Gila River. East of us lived the Chi-hen-ne (Ojo Caliente), (Hot Springs) Apaches. Our tribe never had any difficulty with them. Victoria, their chief (first portrait), was always a friend to me. He always helped our tribe when we asked him for help. He lost his life in the defense of the rights of his people. He was a good man and a brave warrior. His son Charlie now lives here in this reservation with us. North of us lived the White Mountain Apaches.

They were not always on the best of terms with our tribe, yet we seldom had any war with them. I knew their chief, Hash-ka-ai-la, personally, and I considered him a good warrior. Their range was next to that of the Navajo Indians, who were not of the same blood as the Apaches. We held councils with all Apache tribes, but never with the Navajo Indians. However, we traded with them and sometimes visited them. To the west of our country ranged the Chi-e-a-hen Apaches. They had two chiefs within my time, Co-si-to and Co-da-hoo-yah. They were friendly, but not intimate with our tribe. South of us lived the Cho-kon-en (Chiricahua) Apaches, whose chief in the old days was Cochise (second portrait), and later his son, Naiche. This tribe was always on the most friendly terms with us. We were often in camp and on the trail together. Naiche, Who was my companion in arms, is now my companion in bondage. (third picture: Geronimo riding with Naiche) To the south and west of us lived the Ned-ni Apaches.

Their chief was Whoa, called by the Mexicans Capitan Whoa They were our firm friends. The land of this tribe lies partly in Old Mexico and partly in Arizona. Whoa and I often camped and fought side by side as brothers. My enemies were his enemies, my friends his friends. He is dead now, but his son Asa is interpreting this story for me. Still the four tribes (Bedonkohe, Chokonen, Chihenne, and Nedni), who were fast friends in the days of freedom, cling together as they decrease in number. Only the destruction of all our people would dissolve our bonds of friendship. We are vanishing from the earth, yet I cannot think we are useless or Usen would not have created us. He created all tribes of men and certainly had a righteous purpose in creating each. For each tribe of men Usen created He also made a home. In the land created for any particular tribe. He placed whatever would be best for the welfare of that tribe. When Usen created the Apaches He also created their homes in the West. He gave to them such grain, fruits, and game as they needed to eat.

To restore their health when disease attacked them He made many different herbs to grow. He taught them where to find these herbs, and how to prepare them for medicine. He gave them a pleasant climate and all they needed for clothing and shelter was at hand. Thus it was in the beginning: the Apaches and their homes each created for the other by Usen himself. When they are taken from these homes they sicken and die. How long will it be until it is said, there are no Apaches?

Question: To which native American tribe did the great war leader Geronimo, belong?
Answer: APACHE