Geronimo (1829-1909)

Geronimo, leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in Arizona, USA, pictured holding a gun. He led raids against white settlers after the abolition of the Chiricahua reservation in 1876.

Chief of the Chiricahua Apache Indians and war leader. From 1875 to 1885, he fought US federal troops, as well as settlers encroaching on tribal reservations in the Southwest, especially in southeastern Arizona and New Mexico.

After surrendering to General George Crook March 1886, and agreeing to go to Florida where their families were being held, Geronimo and his followers escaped. Captured again August 1886, they were taken to Florida, then to Alabama. The climate proved unhealthy, and they were taken to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Geronimo became a farmer. He dictated Geronimo's Story of His Life 1906.

Geronimo fell from his horse following a drinking spree and lay on the cold ground overnight, resulting in his death from pneumonia.