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    History and Headlines
    You are at:Home»Society»Military»September 4, 1886: Apache Warrior Geronimo Finally Surrenders
    Military

    September 4, 1886: Apache Warrior Geronimo Finally Surrenders

    Major DanBy Major DanSeptember 4, 2014Updated:May 19, 2020159 Comments3 Mins Read
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    A Brief History

    On September 4, 1886, after almost 30 years of raiding Mexican and white settlers and battling the U.S. Army, Apache war leader Geronimo finally surrendered in Arizona to U.S. Army General Nelson Miles.

    Digging Deeper

    Geronimo’s actual Apache name means “One who yawns.”  After his wife, children and mother were killed by Mexican soldiers in 1858, it seems he did little yawning and much fighting, leading raids against both Mexican and American settlers and soldiers.  Although Geronimo’s hatred was mainly directed at the Mexicans, his raids of theft and murder of Americans had the U.S. Army chasing him and his band of warriors across the southwest, while the Mexican Army did the same South of the border, also with negative results; however, the borders meant little to Geronimo, as the Native Americans thought they owned the land in the first place.

    Geronimo’s tribal heritage was Bendonkohe, a subgroup of the Native American tribes generically called Apache by whites.  Although himself not a tribal chief, he was the leader of his band of Native American resistance forces that fought pacification.  When he surrendered, he was taken from fort to fort across Texas and the South before settling at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He never returned to his native lands.

    Geronimo was allowed to make appearances at wild west shows as a celebrity, and he rode in Teddy Roosevelt’s presidential inaugural parade in 1905. 

    Panorama of the inauguration ceremony

    He died at Fort Sill of pneumonia in 1909 after falling from his horse and laying in the cold all night. 

    The Winchester rifle he had with him at the time of his surrender is on display at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, while his pistol and knife are at the museum at Fort Sill.  

    Geronimo (Goyaałé), a Bedonkohe Apache; kneeling with rifle, 1887

    A controversy over whether or not his skull and possibly other bones had been stolen during World War I has never conclusively been resolved, although it is likely to be a hoax.  Another controversy continues over whether his surrender was unconditional, as the U.S. Army claims and which Geronimo later vehemently denied, or if Geronimo had been tricked, as he claimed.  Geronimo has been called “the worst Indian who ever lived” and “Geronimo the Terrible,” but in a History and Headlines twist his name is yelled by American airborne paratroops as they jump out of airplanes.  And he ended up having a total of 9 wives!  He sure had a full life for a guy who yawned a lot.

    Question for students (and subscribers): Should Geronimo have continued to fight?  Please let us know in the comments section below this article.

    If you liked this article and would like to receive notification of new articles, please feel welcome to subscribe to History and Headlines by liking us on Facebook and becoming one of our patrons!

    For another interesting event that happened on September 4, please see the History and Headlines article: “10 Infamous, Notorious and Reviled Products.”

    Your readership is much appreciated!

    Historical Evidence

    For more information, please see…

    Leach, Mike and Buddy Levy.  Geronimo: Leadership Strategies of an American Warrior.  Gallery Books, 2014.

    You can also watch a video version of this article on YouTube.

    Share. Email Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit Telegram Twitter Tumblr
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    Major Dan
    Major Dan

      Major Dan is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

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      <span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="4635 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=4635">159 Comments

      1. Avatar
        Madeline Bowen on January 14, 2016 2:01 pm

        I think it was very interesting that his rifle is on display at the military academy of West Point. Madeline Bowen

        Reply
      2. Avatar
        Emmaline K on January 19, 2016 7:16 pm

        Confusing how he was allowed to make a celebrity appearance riding in Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade, but he is now sometimes called ‘the worst Indian who ever lived.” Interesting how time changes perceptions.

        Reply
      3. Avatar
        Amber Moore on January 20, 2016 3:28 pm

        It feels like he was used as a puppet in the shows and parades, like an animal being held against its will. It kind of sounds disgraceful to his people.

        Reply
      4. Avatar
        Danielle on January 24, 2016 5:22 pm

        Why was he not jailed for his actions? I don’t understand how it was considered a “celebrity appearance” when he went to a show.

        Reply
      5. Avatar
        Sarah G on January 25, 2016 8:42 pm

        His life is very interesting, I can’t believe that he was able to ride in the inaugural parade.

        Reply
      6. Avatar
        Meghan R on January 28, 2016 4:37 pm

        I find it sad that his family was killed and that he fought to revenge their deaths. He really did lead an eventful life.

        Reply
      7. Avatar
        KC on February 10, 2016 1:19 am

        His life had its ups and downs. He did life his life to the fullest it could be. I am confused on how he had “Celebrity” status.

        Reply
      8. Avatar
        Ahmed Alnassar on February 10, 2016 1:40 am

        his live although sad and even though his life was interesting to read about i do not think he should ba celebrity because he broke the law.

        Reply
      9. Avatar
        Diana N on February 15, 2016 12:02 pm

        Why was he a celebrity after all the things he did?

        Reply
      10. Avatar
        Raquel F on February 15, 2016 2:58 pm

        It is awful that his family was killed by the Mexican soldiers.

        Reply
      11. Avatar
        Yasser Alkhayal on February 25, 2016 10:53 pm

        I’m totally surprised that how these people had stoles the bones after WWI. The responsible people or governments should step up and start investigate how these people stole the corpses.

        Reply
      12. Avatar
        Nicole Z on March 3, 2016 7:58 pm

        I’m confused on why he was allowed to make a celebrity appearance.

        Reply
      13. Avatar
        Austin Miko on March 10, 2016 8:43 pm

        I can not believe that the Mexican soldiers would kill his family.

        Reply
      14. Avatar
        Amber Pope on March 20, 2016 10:49 pm

        The celebrity appearances are odd. Geronimo was a prisoner, so why would he be allowed to go around acting like a celebrity? Maybe it was allowed because of his “unconditional surrender.”

        Reply
      15. Avatar
        Brett Nagy on April 26, 2016 12:12 am

        I do not get why he was a “celebrity” after everything that had happened. But it is sad that Mexican soldiers killed his entire family.

        Reply
      16. Avatar
        Erika Grumbach on April 27, 2016 9:27 am

        I don’t understand how he could be in the inaugural parade after all the things he did.

        Reply
      17. Avatar
        Sabrina Peelman on May 2, 2016 5:07 pm

        I don’t understand why he became so famous and was viewed as a celebrity if he harmed so many people.

        Reply
      18. Avatar
        Colton M on May 4, 2016 12:30 pm

        I think it’s funny that he was in the Wild West show.

        Reply
      19. Avatar
        Casey Holtmann on May 4, 2016 5:06 pm

        It is sad that his family died.

        Reply
      20. Avatar
        JW on May 7, 2016 9:08 pm

        9 wives talk about polygamy!

        Reply
      21. Avatar
        Brandon on May 8, 2016 5:08 pm

        One of most controversial figures in history because of the raids and murders but people consider him a “celebrity”

        Reply
      22. Avatar
        Melody Ortiz on May 9, 2016 10:45 am

        i just dont understand how he was said to be the worst indian who ever lived but had made a celebrity appearance then. Also cannot believe that he was not arrested or anything.

        Reply
      23. Avatar
        MM on September 6, 2016 1:30 pm

        I thought it was funny that after all the trouble he went through, he ended up being able to participate as a celebrity in wild west shows with Teddy Roosevelt.

        Reply
      24. Avatar
        SR on September 7, 2016 1:52 pm

        How is he considered a celebrity with so many raids and murders!?

        Reply
      25. Avatar
        ab on September 8, 2016 12:26 pm

        I think after losing his family, it is hard to continue.

        Reply
      26. Avatar
        BS on September 10, 2016 7:12 pm

        I was very surprised when I read Geronimo appeared in public as a celebrity and was in a presidential parade.

        Reply
      27. Avatar
        JT Siurek on September 11, 2016 4:19 pm

        I don’t understand why they considered him to be a celebrity, but I guess that is just the difference in how culture has changed over the years.

        Reply
      28. Avatar
        Allison Lester on September 11, 2016 7:59 pm

        I definitely do not consider him a celebrity. He did what many other men of the west did, lead many raids, which I do not believe deserve high status unless they were for good causes. -Allison Lester

        Reply
      29. Avatar
        Tim Burris on September 12, 2016 8:57 am

        I had no idea he is where the saying Geronimo came from i just thought it was something said when you jump out of a plane.

        Reply
      30. Avatar
        TC on September 14, 2016 12:48 pm

        It was interesting to find out the story behind the word Geronimo, I found him interesting.

        Reply
      31. Avatar
        jo on September 14, 2016 7:42 pm

        Geronimo is a well respected man for laying his life down to fight for his people.

        Reply
      32. Avatar
        Jacob Oswalt on September 15, 2016 1:00 pm

        I don’t blame Geronimo for things he had done after his children, wife, and mother were killed.

        Reply
      33. Avatar
        AA on September 15, 2016 9:52 pm

        It was super interesting for me to find out that Geronimo’s real name means “one who yawns.” It is also quite interesting how paratroopers came to say his name when jumping out of a plane. It’s curious because so many other Native Americans also fought for their land and what they believed in. Why Geronimo?

        Reply
      34. Avatar
        EK on September 16, 2016 12:32 am

        I find the fact tat all of these Native American names mean something significant pretty cool!

        Reply
      35. Avatar
        LF on September 16, 2016 4:46 pm

        Its cool how Geronimo toured with a future president.

        Reply
      36. Avatar
        AM on September 18, 2016 5:58 pm

        I’m not sure what gave Geronimo his celebrity status. Especially enough to tour with a president.

        Reply
      37. Avatar
        CM on September 18, 2016 11:53 pm

        I didn’t know the true meaning of Geronimo till now. Really cool!

        Reply
      38. Avatar
        VV on September 20, 2016 1:01 pm

        If I was Geronimo I would’ve done the same things that he did.

        Reply
      39. Avatar
        pw on September 20, 2016 2:14 pm

        I think it’s sad knowing all the native Americans are put away in camps or whatever they are called.

        Reply
      40. Avatar
        Kayla Fox on September 21, 2016 5:30 pm

        I bet Geronimo had no idea at the time that he was touring with a future president!

        Reply
      41. Avatar
        Samantha Didion on September 22, 2016 1:59 pm

        Interesting that this took place 130 years prior to my birth. I also think it is odd that Gernoimo’s name means one who yawns

        Reply
      42. Avatar
        Kody on September 22, 2016 2:29 pm

        I had no clue that the saying Geronimo came from this man. I bet he had no idea about some of the impacts he was making.

        Reply
      43. Avatar
        ahb on September 22, 2016 10:59 pm

        I learned something new about his life. But i was sad at the end that his family were killed

        Reply
      44. Avatar
        ES on September 25, 2016 4:35 pm

        I think it is sad knowing how awful the Native Americans were treated back then and how racism is still around today for some people.

        Reply
      45. Avatar
        Katelyn Sowers on September 27, 2016 12:34 am

        I thought it was cool that Geronimo’s real Apache name was Goyaale, and that it meant “One who yawns,” because that just seems like such a let down to such a great person, as yawning seems to not fit his personality.

        Reply
      46. Avatar
        lm on September 30, 2016 7:43 pm

        It is sad to see how Native Americans were treated, but it was interesting to read about how he got to ride with the president.

        Reply
      47. Avatar
        MT on October 5, 2016 4:14 pm

        The way Native Americans were treated was horrible.

        Reply
      48. Avatar
        David Birkbeck on October 7, 2016 4:11 pm

        I did not know Geranamo hated Mexicans.

        Reply
      49. Avatar
        Kelynn Heckman on October 24, 2016 11:29 am

        I should have been named Goyaale

        Reply
      50. Avatar
        Lori Caudill on October 27, 2016 2:17 pm

        I was not aware of the fact that he never returned to his native land.

        Reply
      51. Avatar
        Audrey Manahan on October 27, 2016 7:33 pm

        Even though his actions were horrible I can understand the feeling of wanting revenge after the murders of his family. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be a Native American at that time. To see your loved ones killed over land would be unfathomable.

        Reply
      52. Avatar
        Lydia Ott on October 27, 2016 8:22 pm

        It surprises me that he was used as a guest at wild west shows and could ride in Teddy Roosevelt’s presidential inaugural parade when he committed such terrible crimes and was a prisoner. It is understandable that he did not acknowledge the southern border because the land had always belonged to the Native Americans. I was not aware of how violent Geronimo was.

        Reply
      53. Avatar
        Elizabeth Bon on October 27, 2016 9:55 pm

        I had no idea he had so many wives. I find it interesting that he was famous and attended Roosevelt’s Inauguration if he was one of the worst Indians who ever lived.

        Reply
      54. Avatar
        Jennifer Maurer on October 28, 2016 1:58 pm

        I wonder if the “displaying” of Geronimo in wild west shows, etc., was a means of the United States showing superiority? I’m not saying his vengeful acts were right, but you have a man whose family was killed and perhaps he felt he had little more to live for. I know I’m playing the devil’s advocate here, but it makes me wonder.

        Reply
      55. Avatar
        Natalie antonio on October 28, 2016 2:41 pm

        I did not know that he was married so many times, i found it really surprising that he was at Teddy Rosevelt’s inaugural parade when he was such a criminal.

        Reply
      56. Avatar
        Brandon Wagner on October 28, 2016 2:53 pm

        I was shocked that Geronimo was considered a celebrity at wild west shows and that he rode in Teddy Roosevelt’s presidential inaugural parade in 1905 considering the theft and murders of Americans he had committed.

        Reply
      57. Avatar
        Ben McClay on October 28, 2016 3:01 pm

        I think that it is interesting that Geronimo had nine wives. This really goes to show that many people who live these, “full lives,” experience it with more than one spouse.

        Reply
      58. Avatar
        Shannon Read on October 28, 2016 8:42 pm

        It is terrible that what pushed him to fight was his family being murdered. It makes sense that in this time in history that he had nine wives. I have heard that individuals within this group commonly had multiple wives.

        Reply
      59. Avatar
        Kala Strong on October 28, 2016 8:43 pm

        I didn’t realize that Geronimo being yelled as they jumped was based off of a real person. I also imagine that it would have been difficult to fight after losing your family.

        Reply
      60. Avatar
        Shuling He on October 28, 2016 8:47 pm

        It was terrible when I heard his families been killed, including children.

        Reply
      61. Avatar
        Jingshan Jiang on October 28, 2016 8:57 pm

        Wild West was known to a vicious age. Native Americans suffered from a sad history. We should remember the history and turn against race discrimination in the future.

        Reply
      62. Avatar
        Diana Minich on October 28, 2016 10:46 pm

        Interesting story. I did not know his family had been murdered. For 30 years he was raiding Mexican and white settlers and never caught. I wonder why he surrendered.

        Reply
      63. Avatar
        Rose Jepson on October 29, 2016 12:49 am

        I also find it interesting that he just surrendered. The killing of his family really motivated him to keep running and killing, but then to surrender after all of that seems strange.

        Reply
      64. Avatar
        Jordin Vidmar on October 29, 2016 1:27 am

        I also am a bit weirded out with this story. It does not make sense that he would surrender.

        Reply
      65. Avatar
        Taylor Young on October 29, 2016 3:49 pm

        This article was oddly strange to me. I also need to put in consideration of the time period that it occurred it just because it was such a tough time for most people so acting out of character may be cause.

        Reply
      66. Avatar
        Alyssa Hanes on October 29, 2016 4:44 pm

        This story really makes you think. The fact that Geronimo had nine wives is very interesting, but may have been normal in that time period. I do not really understand how or why he surrendered with such support from his family.

        Reply
      67. Avatar
        Daina Thomas on October 29, 2016 5:55 pm

        Geronimo having so many wives is disturbing to me. I wonder why any group of women would want to do that or agree to it. It was also suprising that his whole family was murdered and that he just eventually surrendered after killing people.

        Reply
      68. Avatar
        Dakota Zimmerman on October 29, 2016 6:52 pm

        It is shocking that he died after falling off of his horse. I think it is almost scenic

        Reply
      69. Avatar
        Keagan Frey on October 29, 2016 10:10 pm

        I love how Geronimo used guerrilla tactics on the people he acted it is almost the ironic Indian battles.

        Reply
      70. Avatar
        Lessie Parish on November 1, 2016 10:29 pm

        I never realized that this is where the phrase “Geronimo” came from. I understand that he killed many people but I do not understand why he was called “the worst indian who ever lived”. His family was murdered and he lost the only home he knew.

        Reply
      71. Avatar
        Kristin Fellure on November 2, 2016 2:51 am

        Today’s laws are so much different from how they used to be. Today he would not be allowed to have so many wives or kill others. He got away with so much back then.

        Reply
      72. Avatar
        MP on November 3, 2016 8:16 pm

        Most laws today are taken advantage of, and used very differently than when they were first enforced. Today he would receive more consequences than I feel he would back then.

        Reply
      73. Avatar
        Breanna Beckley on November 23, 2016 1:03 pm

        I am surprised that he surrendered and I am also shocked that he died after falling off of his horse.

        Reply
      74. Avatar
        Michaela Ping on November 30, 2016 9:29 am

        When I think of the Wild West, it seemed so long ago, but this shows that it was a lot closer than I thought.

        Reply
      75. Avatar
        Azia on November 30, 2016 11:07 am

        Great story. I didn’t know that people thought that he was terrible, whenever I have heard references to him he was praised in a way.

        Reply
      76. Avatar
        Travis Tarnowski on December 2, 2016 3:18 pm

        I did not know that Apache rode in with President Roosevelt on his inaugural parade in 1905. That is awesome, especially at a time where race was a huge issue in the US.

        Reply
      77. Avatar
        Hunter Music on December 9, 2016 10:00 pm

        It is interesting that they would let a man of such rage ride in the presidential parade. However, I find it interesting that it took us so long to capture him.

        Reply
      78. Avatar
        Alexis Dykes on December 10, 2016 12:25 am

        As I pursue a nursing career, I found it very interesting that he developed pneumonia after falling off of his horse. When you think about ways that these “macho” men would be taken down after committing such crimes, falling off of your steed and getting sick is not the way I’d expect him to have gone out.

        Reply
      79. Avatar
        Abeer Bin on December 12, 2016 6:53 pm

        great story but i didn’t like the part when you kill the family by mixican

        Reply
      80. Avatar
        Dan Sumpter on January 9, 2017 10:55 am

        Wow, I didn’t know that he dies at Fort Sill. I actually went there while serving in the military. I do not blame him for going on a rampage after his family was killed.

        Reply
      81. Avatar
        Cara Zang on January 9, 2017 2:46 pm

        It is interesting to see how the article says that some said Geronimo was the worse Indian who ever lived. We read what he does but I would definitely like to see more about different opinions on his actions. I thought this because how he hated the Mexican Armies but still robbed and killed Americans, so it would be interesting.

        Reply
      82. Avatar
        Luke Lyden on January 9, 2017 3:35 pm

        What a terrible way to die for a man who is a Native American War hero. It seems as if the U.S. tried to patch things up with him in a failed attempt.

        Reply
      83. Avatar
        Kay McCargish on January 9, 2017 7:31 pm

        It seems strange to me that Geronimo surrendered after committing murders and then is permitted to be in wild west shows and was in Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade.

        Reply
      84. Avatar
        Chelsey Stillings on January 9, 2017 9:35 pm

        I guess I would feel the same about certain things. It’s hard for one not to judge when your family is involved. One will do what they have to do to protect their family.

        Reply
      85. Avatar
        Kacey Kovac on January 11, 2017 3:56 pm

        What I am not understanding is why Geronimo would be praised by being allowed to participate in a parade with Teddy Roosevelt in 1905 when he had surrendered to the U.S. Army for raiding Mexican and white settlers for over 30 years. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

        Reply
      86. Avatar
        Dan Fidoe on January 11, 2017 4:46 pm

        Always enjoy a good retaliation story. I never knew the background of Geronimo.

        Reply
      87. Avatar
        Shannon Smith on January 12, 2017 9:30 am

        I think if someone came and killed my wife and children I might retaliate too.

        Reply
      88. Avatar
        Jason on January 12, 2017 10:35 am

        Geronimo is one of the well known names of all Native American Indians. I agree how would any of us feel if our land was invaded by unknown people and your family were killed. I wouldn’t be okay with that. Also to think they put his rifle and possibly his bones on display is pretty bad. Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot.

        Reply
      89. Avatar
        Jared A. Hutt on January 12, 2017 5:39 pm

        The fact that this man raided two countries and killed soldiers from two countries for as long as he did is just amazing. What a fascinating historical figure!

        Reply
      90. Avatar
        Nakia Bridges on January 13, 2017 8:20 pm

        When we talk and learn about history this is one aspect that really just blows my mind , how someone could get away with killing and invading someones home. Then wonder why they got the I don’t care attitude from Geronimo when it came to him killing soldiers and Americans due to family being killed. I believe at this point his anger was so livid that everyone fell victim.

        Reply
      91. Avatar
        Jeffrey Keenan on January 13, 2017 11:14 pm

        Well, now I know where the term Geronimo come from. This guy is extremely interesting, having a total of 9 wives is impressive. I can completely understand this mans hatred for the Mexican people, as the Mexicans raided his camp and killed his mother, wife and 3 children (While he was out of the village). This man wanted revenge and it sounds like he got some.

        Reply
      92. Avatar
        Shaun Emerick on January 14, 2017 2:30 am

        What has been interesting is how a lot of these famous wild west and Native American men and women I heard about growing up as a kid in San Antonio. I remember screaming Geronimo while playing games when I would jump off a cliff or cannonball into a swimming pool. It wasn’t until later that the tern that held such little meaning as a kid took shape when I learned about him as a teenager. It is fun reading and learning about him all over again.

        Reply
      93. Avatar
        Christie Benton on January 14, 2017 4:00 pm

        I am interested about his 9 wives. I am wondering if he was married to all of them at the same time, or if his wives had very short life spans. Again for a man who supposedly yawned a lot, he was very busy. It is really sad though that his family passed, and I believe he was truly heartbroken.

        Reply
      94. Avatar
        John Milton on January 14, 2017 7:56 pm

        I am curious to learn if the wife that was murdered was included in the count of 9 wies. I wonder how many children he had, if he did have anymore.

        Reply
      95. Avatar
        Jeremiah Linden on January 14, 2017 9:06 pm

        I congratulate Geronimo for surviving such a harsh time for the Indians. I find it even more amazing that he was able to survive nine wives. He must of been descent person to be invited to the presidential inaguration.

        Reply
      96. Avatar
        Juan Rodriguez on January 15, 2017 1:18 am

        The one thing most people don’t realize is that Geronimo did not start out like, but a single incident change his life. I think that if I was in his shoes during those times I would of done same to get revenge on the people that kill my family. When I was station at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, we had to stand guard at a old Fort that Geronimo was held at. There are wild animals the roam the Fort and it was told to us that animals had been there since Geronimo had been in prison there because Geronimo would not eat any food unless he capture it himself.

        Reply
      97. Avatar
        Michelle Ross on January 15, 2017 6:23 pm

        It is only to be expected that someone whether it be a Native American or anyone else for that matter would turn against the people that slaughtered his family. I don’t blame him for seeking revenge on the people that took the lives of his family. That is the reaction from mostly anyone who would have to go through something like that.

        Reply
      98. Avatar
        Sarah Marie Sykes on January 16, 2017 7:54 am

        Cant blame him for wanting revenge. Sounds like it was a bad time for native Americans and the fact that he was so resilient is amazing.

        Reply
      99. Avatar
        Jared Good on January 17, 2017 3:59 pm

        Geronimo had it rough after his family got shot and killed. I could only imagine what I would do if that happened to me. Now I agree did he surrender or was he forced.

        Reply
      100. Avatar
        Misty Prosser on March 14, 2017 1:43 pm

        I definitely would have went by another name as well if my name meant “one who yawns”. I can also understand wanting revenge for the death of his family.

        Reply
      101. Avatar
        Angela Kessinger on March 14, 2017 9:02 pm

        It seams that Geronimo was living a “normal” life until the Mexican soldiers came in and killed his family. This devastating event changed his life and he went looking for revenge.

        Reply
      102. Avatar
        Autum Grandstaff on March 14, 2017 10:00 pm

        It appears that Geronimo was facing several challenges. Between overcoming his wife and children being murdered, feeling hatred toward the Mexicans and Americans, and the underlying issues of losing land the Native Americans felt they owned, I am not surprised to see the outpouring of hate Geronimo led.

        Reply
      103. Avatar
        Rose Sexton on March 15, 2017 6:33 pm

        How did the word Geronimo become part of our vernacular? It seems to be used when throwing all caution to the wind. A strange ending place for the name of one who yawns.

        Reply
      104. Avatar
        Adrian Lewers on March 16, 2017 9:28 pm

        I am also curious as to how Geronimo’s name got turned in to something you yell while jumping out of a plane or off a cliff. It seems to me that Geronimo let his rage take over and control the rest of his life which is so sad.

        Reply
      105. Avatar
        Jessica Kessinger on March 16, 2017 11:30 pm

        i find this article a bit confusing and interesting at the same time. He had faced many challenges in his time however it does not make sense that he would surrender like he did.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on March 17, 2017 6:25 pm

          Geronimo was getting old, and the incredibly hard life he led on the run was not an old man’s job. Plus, he was running out of allies and places to hide, and the white men hunting him were only growing in number. My guess is he was too tired to go on.

          Reply
      106. Avatar
        Sean Merritt on March 17, 2017 11:58 am

        I really enjoyed reading this article. As most people I too wonder how his name came to be used as it is today.

        Reply
      107. Avatar
        Kyle Gelenius on March 17, 2017 12:11 pm

        With the Mexican and American Army after Geronimo, I’m surprised it took as long as it did to get Geronimo to finally surrender. I also believe that Geronimo had a point when he felt, as a Native American, his people had owned the land in the first place.

        I also found it pretty surprising that Geronimo was allowed to ride in President Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade; what an interesting turn of events given all that was going on in that time period.

        Reply
      108. Avatar
        Tiffany on March 17, 2017 1:22 pm

        Why surrender after such a long time fleeing and killing? To me, that doesn’t make any sense. Nor does his treatment after he supposedly surrendered. He was able to ride in a President’s parade after his surrender. That is weird.

        Reply
      109. Avatar
        Robin Crandel on March 17, 2017 3:14 pm

        I luckily do not understand the rage and desire for revenge that Geronimo felt after his family was murdered. Sad.

        Reply
      110. Avatar
        Megan on March 17, 2017 9:40 pm

        This article was confusing, but interesting. For everything he did, and still got to be present in the President’s inaugural parade.

        Reply
      111. Avatar
        james tomassetti on March 18, 2017 1:45 pm

        I think his dedication was remarkable even though I do not necessarily agree with it I would more than likely react in the same matter that he did

        Reply
      112. Avatar
        Michelle on March 18, 2017 7:36 pm

        If someone killed my family I would not hesitate to seek the harshest revenge I could possibly construct. I cant imagine life without them, I would go out fighting though, no use for surrender!

        Reply
      113. Avatar
        McKenna Kapper on March 18, 2017 9:23 pm

        I thought this was a really interesting story. I can understand either side. Although I am not a revengeful person, I can see how angry and hurt he would be and can understand wanting revenge.

        Reply
      114. Avatar
        Jaisun on March 19, 2017 9:50 pm

        Wow. This man suffered greatly. Then the US government used him as a prop. Sad!

        Reply
      115. Avatar
        Ashley Betsa on April 5, 2017 11:39 am

        Talk about getting revenge, but I would not go so far and say he was the worst Indian who ever lived. There is a lot of history that has remain untold and undiscovered.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on April 5, 2017 12:29 pm

          Without any doubt whatsoever, the worst Indian that ever lived played for the Cleveland Indians! (Pick one…)

          Reply
      116. Avatar
        Yang Shao on April 9, 2017 11:25 pm

        Since Geronimo’s wife and children were killed by Mexican solider. He was wanting to revenge for his family member. The unceasing war and fight made Geronimo experiencing a lot of difficulties. Finally, He give up about the fight, he was taken to Oklahoma and never back on his native land.

        Reply
      117. Avatar
        KIMBERLY KESTNER on April 12, 2017 8:31 pm

        I have yelled “Geronimo” a few times in my life, now I know what it means! His surrender may have been due to him simply being tired. Nine wives? That is crazy. Fighting out of revenge all those years caught up to him. I bet there was an agreement though with the government regarding his surrender.

        Reply
      118. Avatar
        Patrick Barker on April 19, 2017 2:51 pm

        Geronimo!! I can’t believe he went to Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade! It seems that as hard as he fought, the last thing he would do is celebrate a white president of the land that was stolen from him.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on April 19, 2017 3:31 pm

          Hillary Clinton went to Donald Trump’s inauguration…

          Reply
      119. Avatar
        WenYu Zhang on April 27, 2017 5:34 pm

        It was sad to see Geronimo’s wife and child were killed by Mexican soldiers. HIs main focus was trying to fight against Mexican Soldiers for revenge. Later, his persistence made him fall down on the ground in the cold weather, he was died but his story made himself famous and he was indirectly surrender in the end.

        Reply
      120. Avatar
        Jacob DeSmit on May 1, 2017 9:34 am

        I am not surprised to read about Geronimo’s retaliation after troops killed his wife and child, especially when considering how prominent the “eye-for-an-eye” style of justice was during the time. It is interesting that this Native American went on to be recognized in President Roosevelt’s inauguration parade.

        Reply
      121. Avatar
        Holly Fongheiser on September 5, 2017 4:39 pm

        This was a pretty cool in-depth look at Geronimo, but seriously…. why do we yell his name when we jump out of planes?

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 6, 2017 8:46 am

          There is an interesting article on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geronimo_(exclamation) that offers 3 different tales of how the famous paratrooper cry came about. Especially interesting is the unit patch for the 501st Parachute Battalion featuring the name, Geronimo.

          Reply
      122. Avatar
        KM on September 23, 2017 8:09 am

        For being known as “the worst Indian who ever lived” he sure did get a lot of recognition, such as in Roosevelt’s inaugural parade. I just wonder why?

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 24, 2017 6:49 pm

          Teddy Roosevelt was a man that recognized courage and convictions in other men. Despite the vilification of Geronimo by the media, TR knew a brave man when he saw one.

          Reply
      123. Avatar
        Dani McBride on September 23, 2017 2:28 pm

        It’s funny that Geronimo’s real name, Goyaale, means “one who yawned” since that’s pretty much the opposite of anything Geronimo ever did. The reason for his hatred of Mexicans become much more clear after learning that it was Mexican soldiers who had killed his wife, children, and even his own mother.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 24, 2017 11:11 am

          Thank goodness Americans are not normally named by their personal actions or traits, or we would have some pretty embarrassing names floating around!

          Reply
      124. Avatar
        AB on September 23, 2017 10:20 pm

        I never knew why people yelled Geronimo when they were jumping! I don’t understand why he is called the worst Indian who ever lived, he was just trying to protect his land. The Mexicans killed his wife and children, he was just fighting for his family in my opinion.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 24, 2017 11:11 am

          One man’s “worst Indian” is another man’s “freedom fighter.” It all depends on which side you are on.

          Reply
      125. Avatar
        SB on September 24, 2017 8:26 pm

        The conquering of the West is a subject that really impacts me. I find it awful and unfair that so many Native American were brutally killed just because white settlers wanted their land. I feel it is a dishonor for people to think back on that time with pride.

        Reply
      126. Avatar
        AB on September 24, 2017 8:26 pm

        It is interesting how the victors tell the tails. He is known as the worst Indian ever, but I feel there was a much different opinion held by the Indians. We are so biased to day that Geronimo is seen as bad by his given name, yet he fought in remembrance of his loved ones.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 25, 2017 11:26 pm

          What baffles us, is why doesn’t anyone name “The Best Indian Ever?”

          Reply
      127. Avatar
        JG on September 24, 2017 10:30 pm

        I do not understand why he is called the worst Indian ever, as he was just protecting what was his in the first place– it is a natural human instinct to not give into and fight for what is yours. He was just fighting for himself

        Reply
      128. Avatar
        RB on September 24, 2017 11:50 pm

        After Geronimo’s wife, children, and mother were killed by Mexican soldiers I can see why he fought for what was his without a doubt. I don’t understand why people would say he was the worst Indian ever. I thought it was crazy that he had 9 wives!

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 25, 2017 12:49 pm

          One man’s crazy is another man’s harem…

          Reply
      129. Avatar
        JJ on September 25, 2017 2:02 pm

        “One Who Yawns” You learn something new everyday, I suppose

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 25, 2017 4:16 pm

          Better than “Dances With Skanks,” or “One Tooth Terry.”

          Reply
      130. Avatar
        AM on September 25, 2017 3:24 pm

        I found it fascinating that he was evading both the Mexicans and Americans with such success! It’s cool that his weapons are on display in museums.

        Reply
        • Major Dan
          Major Dan on September 25, 2017 4:18 pm

          As we found out in Vietnam and in Afghanistan, it is hard to catch people on foot or horseback in rough terrain.

          Reply
      131. Avatar
        NTM on September 25, 2017 3:41 pm

        I find it intriguing that Geronimo and his tribe were being searched by both the Mexicans and Americans! How intense that feeling must have been.

        Reply
      132. Avatar
        MT on September 25, 2017 7:58 pm

        Geronimo surrendering was a very significant moment in history. I also found it very interesting that there is a museum display because I enjoy historical objects and buildings.

        Reply
      133. Avatar
        CJ on September 25, 2017 8:04 pm

        The meaning of his name is very interesting and not very fitting for such a man. While he seemed to have a reason to be angry with the Mexican soldiers, I would have to say there was a better way to handle the situation.

        Reply
      134. Avatar
        Dylan Winkel on September 25, 2017 10:15 pm

        Geronimo has almost the same story as the Apache Kid. His wife and kids were killed so he got revenge.

        Reply
      135. Avatar
        AC on September 25, 2017 10:29 pm

        I find it really interesting in the last paragraph, how there are a few controversies floating around. Must have been a couple of discrepancies and claims for such a critical character, maybe for one’s own gains?

        Reply
      136. Avatar
        MC on September 25, 2017 10:31 pm

        I found it interesting that Geronimo rode in Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade. That is a fun fact.

        Reply
      137. Avatar
        HM on September 25, 2017 11:17 pm

        It is interesting that even though he was chased after for theft and murder, he was allowed to make an appearance in shows as a celebrity.

        Reply
      138. Avatar
        Mary Van Scoy on September 25, 2017 11:25 pm

        It is pretty interesting that Geronimo had the opportunity to ride in Teddy Roosevelt’s inaugural parade and also had nine wives!

        Reply
      139. Avatar
        HD on September 26, 2017 12:23 am

        It’s interesting that despite his raids and murders of Americans he was sill able to make appearances at wild west shows as a celebrity, and he rode in Teddy Roosevelt’s presidential inaugural parade in 1905. Ironic.

        Reply
      140. Avatar
        AP on September 26, 2017 7:39 pm

        I was fascinated that he invaded both the Mexicans and Americans with success. It also really surprised me that even after murdering Americans he was still in wild west shows as a clebrity

        Reply
      141. Avatar
        Alexis Whitright on September 26, 2017 7:43 pm

        I could not imagine loosing my wife, children and mother all from a specific group of people. I would have fought for my family in his case as well.

        Reply
      142. Avatar
        Hailey Lockwood on September 26, 2017 9:01 pm

        I found it interesting Geronimo’s actual Apache name was Goyaale, which means “One who yawns.” I don’t understand why his name meant this but i like how unique it is and wish more names had interesting meanings such as his

        Reply
      143. Avatar
        CY on September 26, 2017 9:07 pm

        I do not think a criminal like Geronimo would be able to ride with the President in this day of age.

        Reply
      144. Avatar
        Alexis Mount on September 26, 2017 10:40 pm

        I think it is interesting that both American and Mexican officials were after Geronimo and he was still able to be successful. Also, reading about him makes me wonder if the using the expression “Geronimo!” when you’re ready to leave a place quickly ties back to him in anyway.

        Reply
      145. Avatar
        Abdulaziz on September 30, 2017 4:20 pm

        Despite the fact that his activities were awful I can comprehend the sentiment needing revenge after the killings of his family. I can’t envision what it probably been similar to be a Native American around then. To see your friends and family slaughtered over land would be incomprehensib

        Reply
      146. Avatar
        MW on October 3, 2017 9:48 am

        Geronimo might have been one of the most persistent of apache warriors with a vengeful mindset after his wife and kids had been killed in the Mexican war. He believed that his people truthfully owned the land, in a way, they were there setting up their civilizations before the European settlers turned Americans.

        Reply
      147. Avatar
        mengting zhang on October 17, 2017 1:16 pm

        Interestingly, although he was hunted and killed by Americans for theft and murder, he was able to attend the celebrity show in the West and participate in the inauguration of President Teddy Roosevelt 1905. It’s ironic.

        Reply
      148. Avatar
        burton roberts on October 25, 2017 6:54 pm

        Geronimo is a very interesting story and one I enjoy reading about. I did not know that a person who could be hunted down by the American and Mexican government would be in the Presidential Inauguration parade. Could you imagine if Trump would have done something like this?

        Reply

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