Geronimo

Leader

June 16, 1829 New Mexico

February 17, 1909 Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Alope, Azul, Chee-hash-kish, Ih-tedda, Nana-tha-thtith, She-gha, Shtsha-she, Ta-ayz-slath, Zi-yeh

Geronimo was one of most well-known Apache leaders and a medicine man who rose against the American and Mexican imperial forces during the long war in the second half of the 19th century. Born in Turkey Creek, New Mexico, he belonged to the Bedonkohe band of the Apache tribes. He joined the rebellion against the American and Mexican military forces that were determined to oust the natives from their lands. Although he was a well-known warrior among the Apache tribes, he was never their chief. He fought most fights as a subordinate leader, with about 30 to 50 men under his command. Despite that, on many occasions, he led hundreds of men and women into war. His tactical skills and bravery played a major role in the embarrassment faced by the strong military forces of the US and Mexico, dominated by Anglo–Americans. Between 1876 and 1886, Geronimo surrendered three times and was sent to the Apache reservations in Arizona. However, he resented it and escaped thrice. He had become a celebrity by then and was treated with respect by the American generals when he was finally imprisoned. In 1909, he died at the ‘Fort Sill Hospital’ in Oklahoma, US.