Geronimo

A young Apache at the time, Geronimo set out one day with his family from their homeland, which is now located in southeastern Arizona, on a trading mission into Mexico. Many other families also went with him. The men went into town to trade each day, leaving their families behind. On this momentous evening, they returned home to find that Mexican soldiers had ferociously attacked their camp. They had murdered their women and children and stolen their supplies and horses. The dead were scattered everywhere. Geronimo’s wife, three children, and his mother were among those slaughtered. He found their bodies lying in a pool of blood. “I had lost all,” Geronimo said. His heart was broken. He would never be the same again. The loss of his family led Geronimo to a lifelong hatred of all Mexicans. He was filled with hatred, and he would spend a lifetime pursuing vengeance for all that he and his people had lost. He became one of the most feared Apache warriors of all time. The career and accomplishments of Apache warrior Geronimo were indicative of the fight for a Native American way of life in conflict with that of the progressing American frontiersmen and Mexican soldiers.

“I could not call back my loved ones, I could not bring back the dead Apaches, but I could rejoice in this revenge.” (Geronimo) This quote by Geronimo perfectly sums up his feelings and actions. Revenge was, without doubt, a prime factor in the fight for the Apache people. The quote means that Geronimo could do nothing to bring back his family and fellow Apaches. The only thing he was able to do was fight. Everyone he fought and battled after the murders of his tribe and family was in the name of his wife and children. Geronimo realized the only way he could mend hi...

... middle of paper ...

... he was a medicine man with special God-given powers. Since the “Cut Through the Tent” incident, the fierce clashes between the Apache and the whites had worsened. Then, in early 1863, a party of gold prospectors crossed into Apache territory and camped at Fort McLane in southern New Mexico. The prospectors, fearful of being attacked by Apache, decided to kidnap Mangas Coloradas and hold him hostage. Only when they had safely completed their gold-hunting expedition would the release Coloradas. Several of the gold seekers set out on horseback to Pinos Altos, where they knew Mangas and his followers would be found. They were joined by an army unit under the command of Brigadier General James Carleton, who was no friend of the Indians. In fact, he was quite the opposite. He had issued an order to those serving under his command “to kill all Indian men wherever found.”