Today in History
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Today in History |
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Sept 4, 1886 |
The Native American warrior Geronimo was born and raised in that part of the west now known as Arizona, then a part of Mexico, to a band of the Apache tribe. In March of 1851, a group of Mexican soldiers attacked Geronimo's village while the male members of the tribe were away. Geronimo's wife, mother and children were murdered in the attack. From that point on, Geronimo began a campaign against Mexican, and later US, soldiers and settlers. Under his leadership, the Apache warriors earned a reputation for ruthlessness and were greatly feared. The US Government in 1886 charged Captain Henry Lawton, of B Troop, 4th Cavalry, with hunting down and capturing Geronimo. Lawton pursued Geronimo relentlessly and finally wore down the small group of Apaches that were left fighting. On September 4th, 1886, Geronimo surrendered to Lawton and his superiors. Geronimo was sent to federal prison but in his old age toured the west in fairs and carnivals as a celebrity. Books and comics were written about him and he became a living legend. He died on February 19, 1909 and was buried at Fort Sills, Oklahoma.
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