1829-1909
One of the most revered and feared Native American leaders, Geronimo was born in No-doyohn Canyon in present-day New Mexico. In his early years, he showed great promise as a warrior and a leader, and he quickly rose through the ranks of his Apache tribe.
Geronimo's life took a dramatic turn when the United States government began encroaching on Apache territory. He became determined to resist white settlers and protect his people's way of life. As a result, he led several raids and attacks on American settlements and became a symbol of Apache resistance.
Geronimo's raids attracted national attention, and the U.S. military launched several campaigns to capture or kill him. He evaded capture for many years, due in part to his knowledge of the terrain and his ability to outmaneuver the U.S. Army.
In 1886, after years of relentless pursuit, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles. He spent the remainder of his life as a prisoner of war, living in various military forts and reservations. He never renounced his Apache heritage, and he continued to advocate for the rights and traditions of his people until his death in 1909 at the age of 80.