Geronimo

Date of Birth: June 16, 1829

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 17, 1909

Biography

Geronimo, born Goyaalé (meaning “the one who yawns”), was a prominent leader and medicine man from the Bedonkohe band of the Apache tribe. Born on June 16, 1829, in what is now modern-day New Mexico, he became one of the most renowned Native American leaders of the 19th century. Known for his fierce resistance against Mexico and the United States’ expansion into Apache lands, Geronimo’s leadership and military strategies earned him a legendary status among his people and adversaries alike. Throughout his life, Geronimo sought to protect his people’s way of life, using guerrilla tactics to fight against overwhelming odds. His campaigns against U.S. forces made him a symbol of Native American resistance. After a series of relentless pursuits by the U.S. Army, he eventually surrendered in 1886, marking the end of the Indian Wars and his subsequent life as a prisoner of war. Despite his resistance, Geronimo adapted to changing circumstances, participating in fairs, and even riding in President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural parade in 1905. He dictated his autobiography, “Geronimo: His Own Story,” in 1906, offering a rare insider’s perspective on his life and the struggles of his people. Geronimo spent his final years on the Fort Sill Apache Reservation in Oklahoma, where he died on February 17, 1909.

5 Interesting Facts about Geronimo

1. Geronimo’s Apache name, Goyaalé, translates to “the one who yawns.”

2. He fought against both Mexican and U.S. military forces to defend Apache lands.

3. Geronimo participated in President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural parade in 1905.

4. He dictated his autobiography, “Geronimo: His Own Story,” in 1906.

5. Geronimo died as a prisoner of war at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Geronimo

1. “I was no chief and never had been, but because I had been more deeply wronged than others, this honor was conferred upon me, and I resolved to prove worthy of the trust.”

2. “I cannot think that we are useless or God would not have created us. There is one God looking down on us all. We are all the children of one God.”

3. “We took an oath not to do any wrong to each other or to scheme against each other.”

4. “I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds, and sheltered by the trees as other Indian babes. I was living peaceably when people began to speak bad of me.”

5. “I should never have surrendered. I should have fought until I was the last man alive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Geronimo did not accumulate significant personal wealth; his highest “net worth” was symbolic, rooted in his cultural and historical significance rather than financial assets.

Children

Geronimo had several children, including daughters Eva and Lenna, and sons Chappo, Fenton, and Naiche. His descendants have continued to honor his legacy and maintain the cultural heritage of the Apache people.