On This Day: September 4th - Apache Warrior Geronimo Surrenders

The Apache Indian Tribe leader Geronimo surrendered on this day to a group of United States troops led by General Nelson Miles. Geronimo had fought for the Apache tribe and their land located in the southwest for over 30 years before surrendering in 1886. He was considered to be a fearless and strong leader by many people. Geronimo was born and raised into the Apache tribe in what is now considered the modern day Arizona and Northern Mexico areas. After a series of settlement disputes with Mexicans, Geronimo's family was killed in 1858. A bitter and angry Geronimo sought revenge by leading raids on American and Mexican settlements.

In 1874, Geronimo and some other Apache people were forced onto a reservation located in Arizona. Geronimo eventually escaped from the reservation where condition were very bad. He was caught and brought back to the reservation a number of times. In 1885 however, Geronimo and a group of 150 supporters left reservation and went South into Mexico. About 5,000 American troops chased after him and his people. General George cook eventually forced Geronimo to surrender but he managed to escape one last time. Soon after this, another General named Nelson Miles forced him to surrender for good on this day in 1886. Geronimo could not stand up against the large amount of troops anymore. How do you think Geronimo personified the struggle of Native Americans in their combat against Mexican and American settlers during these land wars?

"Geronimo surrenders." 2008. The History Channel website. 15 Sep 2008, 01:39 http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=52845