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The Three Faces of Geronimo
Geronimo is arguably the most recognized and famous of all Native American leaders. Originally named Goyathlay (“One Who Yawns”) he was later known as Geronimo, a name given to him by Mexican soldiers. Geronimo’s innocence was shattered at an early age when he witnessed the slaughter of his own family. This tragic event more than likely set the tone of his lifelong journey. He eventually joined a fierce band of Chirichua Apaches and took part in raids in northern Mexico and across the U.S. border in what is today Arizona and New Mexico.
Geronimo became known as the last Apache fighting force and continually baffled pursuing U.S. soldiers with his elusiveness. In 1876 Federal authorities captured him and forced him and his band onto a U.S. reservation at San Carlos, Arizona known as “Hells Forty Acres’. He eventually escaped and was considered high bounty for more than 500 U.S. soldiers. When he was finally recaptured his weary body and broken spirit lamented “I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures.
Geronimo, along with a few hundred of his fellow Apaches were shipped out in a boxcar to Florida to be imprisoned. Towards the end of his life he was relocated to Fort Sill Oklahoma. On February 17, 1909 Geronimo breathed his last and died as a prisoner of war. Geronimo was famous and infamous for many reasons but one thing about this man is and his legacy is clear; Geronimo embodied a tenacity of spirit that fueled his lifelong dream of true freedom.
This image is available in:
- Matted 11" x 14" Print
- Matted 11" x 14" Print w/ Buffalo Nickel
- Framed 11" x 14" Print
- Framed 11" x 14" Print w/ Buffalo Nickel
- Framed 16" x 20" Print
- Limited Edition Print
- Framed Limited Edition Print
