Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Geronimo’s Story of His Life by Geronimo.
Chapter 1
Frontispiece
The frontispiece introduces the book as the autobiography of Geronimo, setting the stage for his personal narrative of Apache life, warfare, and resistance.
Chapter 2
Dedicatory
Geronimo dedicates his life story to President Theodore Roosevelt, expressing gratitude for permission to tell his story, trust in Roosevelt's fairness, and hope for justice for his people.
Chapter 3
Introductory
The introductory chapter explains how S. M. Barrett first met Geronimo in 1904 and eventually secured permission from President Theodore Roosevelt to record Geronimo's autobiography. It details the process of gathering the story, Geronimo's insistence on telling it in his own way, and the subsequent review by the War Department, which raised objections to certain passages critical of U.S. military actions and officers. The chapter sets the stage for Geronimo's first-person narrative, emphasizing his perspective and the controversial nature of his account.
Chapter 4
Geronimo’s Story of His Life
Geronimo recounts his early life, his marriage to Alope, the massacre of his family by Mexican soldiers, and his subsequent vow of vengeance. He describes his rise as a warrior, his leadership in raids and battles against Mexicans and Americans, and the series of betrayals and broken treaties that led to his eventual surrender and imprisonment. The narrative covers key events from his youth through his final years at Fort Sill, including his conversion to Christianity and his reflections on Apache culture and identity.
Chapter 5
Part I: The Apaches
This chapter introduces the Apache people, their homeland, culture, and way of life before and during the encroachment of white settlers and Mexican forces. It sets the stage for the conflicts and themes that define Geronimo's story.
Chapter 6
Origin of the Apache Indians
This chapter recounts the Apache creation myth, beginning with a world of perpetual darkness inhabited by beasts and birds. The birds, led by the eagle, wage war against the beasts to bring light, ultimately winning and allowing mankind to prosper. It then tells the story of a woman who hides her son from a dragon that has devoured her previous children. The boy, named Apache, grows up, hunts with his uncle, and confronts the dragon. Through a contest of arrows, the boy kills the dragon with the help of a rainbow. Usen later teaches Apache how to prepare herbs, hunt, and fight, making him the first chief of the Indians.
Chapter 7
II: Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe
Geronimo describes the six sub-tribes of the Apache, their territories, and relationships, emphasizing the Bedonkohe's bonds with the Chihenne, Chokonen, and Nedni, and the spiritual belief that Usen created each tribe with a purpose and homeland.
Chapter 8
III: Early Life
Geronimo recounts his birth in No-doyohn Canyon, Arizona, in 1829, his upbringing in the Gila River region, and his family life among the Bedonkohe Apache. He describes childhood play, agricultural work, the gathering of wild foods, and the preparation of tiswin. The chapter also includes a story of a woman named Cho-ko-le who survived a grizzly bear attack, and details about Apache medicine, prayer, and traditional clothing.
Chapter 9
Tribal Amusements, Manners, and Customs
This chapter describes the social, recreational, and religious customs of the Bedonkohe Apaches, including feasts, dances, games such as Kah (a gambling game), hunting practices, and religious worship. It also details the treatment of outlaws and the skills involved in hunting various animals.
Chapter 10
The Family
Geronimo recounts his family lineage, the death and burial of his father according to Apache customs, his admission to the council of warriors at age seventeen, and his marriage to Alope. He describes their happy home life and the birth of their three children.
Chapter 11
Part II: The Mexicans
Geronimo recounts the brutal massacre of his family and tribe by Mexican soldiers, which ignites a burning desire for vengeance and shapes his lifelong enmity toward the Mexicans. He describes the attack on the Apache camp at Kaskiyeh, the loss of his wife, children, and mother, and his subsequent vow to seek retribution. This chapter establishes the deep personal and cultural trauma that drives Geronimo's resistance and warrior identity.
Chapter 12
VI: Kas-Ki-Yeh
In the summer of 1858, Geronimo's Bedonkohe Apache tribe is attacked by Mexican troops while trading in the town of Kas-ki-yeh. Geronimo loses his mother, wife, and three children in the massacre. The surviving warriors retreat to Arizona, and Geronimo, consumed by grief and vengeance, burns all reminders of his family. The following year, he rallies the Chokonen and Nedni Apaches to join his tribe in a war of revenge against Mexico. In a major battle near Arispe, Geronimo leads a fierce charge, kills many enemies, and is made war chief of all the Apaches after a hard-won victory.
Chapter 13
Part I: The Massacre
In the summer of 1858, Geronimo's Bedonkohe Apache tribe travels to Mexico to trade. While camped near the town of Kas-ki-yeh, Mexican troops attack their camp, killing the guards, seizing supplies and ponies, and slaughtering many women and children, including Geronimo's mother, wife Alope, and three children. The surviving warriors, led by Mangus-Colorado, retreat silently to Arizona. Geronimo, devastated and vengeful, burns his family's belongings and vows revenge against Mexico.
Chapter 14
Part II: The Revenge
Geronimo recounts the formation of a multi-tribal Apache alliance to take revenge on Mexico for the massacre at Kaskiyeh. After securing support from the Chokonen and Nedni Apaches, the combined forces march into Sonora, engage the Mexican army at Arispe, and achieve a decisive victory. Geronimo's personal fury and leadership in battle earn him the title of war chief of all the Apaches.
Chapter 15
VII: Fighting Under Difficulties
Geronimo recounts a series of raids into Mexico following the massacre at Kaskiyeh, driven by an unrelenting desire for revenge. Despite repeated failures, the loss of companions, and severe wounds, he persists in leading small war parties. The chapter also describes a brutal Mexican attack on his settlement, the capture of Apache women, and the harrowing escape of one woman, Francisco, from a mountain lion.
Chapter 16
VIII: Raids That Were Successful
Geronimo recounts several successful raids into Mexican territory between 1862 and 1865, describing the strategies, booty captured, and the communal feasts and dances that followed. He details the challenges of managing drunken warriors after capturing mescal, the acquisition of cattle and supplies, and the defensive measures taken against Mexican retaliation.
Chapter 17
IX: Varying Fortunes
Geronimo recounts several raids into Mexico between 1865 and 1868, describing both successes and failures, including the loss of booty near Arispe, a successful raid with thirty warriors, a disgraceful expedition led by Mangus-Colorado, and a clever recovery of stolen tribal horses from a Mexican ranch.
Chapter 18
Other Raids
This chapter provides context for Apache raids by recounting lawless acts committed by white men and Mexicans along the border, as well as Apache depredations from the white man's perspective. It includes stories of a massacre of Mexican traders by white men, a Mexican ambush on cowboys, and various Apache attacks on settlers and prospectors. The chapter also describes a tense encounter between cowboys and a band of Apaches, and concludes that the Apaches learned lawlessness from the examples set by others.
Chapter 19
Raid by White Men
In 1882, a group of six Mexican traders known as smugglers were ambushed by five white men in Skeleton Canyon, resulting in the deaths of five of the Mexicans. The lone survivor escaped despite being wounded. Days later, cowboys buried the remains left by coyotes, and two years later a cowboy found a bag of seventy-two Mexican dollars overlooked by the robbers. The perpetrators lived openly in Arizona without arrest or retribution.
Chapter 20
Mexican Raid
In 1884, a cattleman and four cowboys driving cattle to Tombstone, Arizona, are ambushed by Mexicans near the border. Two are severely wounded, one escapes after hiding for two days, and the others are killed. No arrests or reparations are made, illustrating the lawlessness and injustice faced by Apaches from neighboring nations.
Chapter 21
Apache Raids
This chapter presents accounts of Apache raids from the white settlers' perspective, including the ambush of Judge McCormick and his family, an attack on the Hunt brothers, a surprising encounter with two Eastern prospectors, and the killing of two other prospectors. It also describes a ten-day occupation of a cowboy camp by a band of Apaches returning from Mexico, who were eventually escorted to Fort Bowie by U.S. troops. The chapter notes that Geronimo disclaims involvement in these events, but suggests the Apaches learned lawlessness from white examples.
Chapter 22
XI: Heavy Fighting
Geronimo recounts a series of raids and battles against Mexican troops in the Sierra Madre Mountains and near Casa Grande, including the Battle of White Hill where a small Apache force defeated two companies of cavalry. He describes the cycle of raiding, moving camp, and returning to Arizona, as well as a treacherous attack by Mexican troops during a peace treaty celebration where the Apaches were given mescal and then massacred.
Chapter 23
Battle of White Hill
Geronimo recounts the Battle of White Hill, where he and Whoa led sixty Apache warriors against two companies of Mexican cavalry. After a prolonged fight, Geronimo ordered a charge that resulted in the complete defeat of the Mexicans. The chapter also describes subsequent skirmishes, including an attack on their camp near Casa Grande, a battle at Nokode, and a treacherous treaty at Casa Grande where drunken Apaches were attacked and killed by Mexican troops.
Chapter 24
XII: Geronimo's Mightiest Battle
After the massacre at Casa Grande, Geronimo and his band return to Arizona and later Mexico, facing continuous skirmishes with Mexican troops. In their last major battle against Mexicans, they use defensive tactics in a dry stream bed, and Geronimo personally shoots the Mexican general. They escape by setting the prairie grass on fire. This marks the end of Geronimo's wars with Mexico, after which U.S. troops pursue them until the surrender at Skeleton Canyon.
Chapter 25
Part III: The White Men
Geronimo recounts the first encounters with white men, describing their initial interactions and the growing tensions as the Apache people face betrayal, broken treaties, and escalating violence from Mexican and American forces.
Chapter 26
XIII: Coming of the White Men
Geronimo recounts the first encounters with white men, including a peaceful treaty and trade with early surveyors, followed by later conflict with soldiers. He describes the treacherous attack at Apache Pass where Mangus Colorado escaped, the subsequent retaliation, and the lasting distrust that led to a prolonged struggle.
Chapter 27
XIV: Greatest of Wrongs
Geronimo recounts the betrayal and massacre of Mangus Colorado and half the tribe at Apache Tejo, the subsequent attacks by U.S. troops, the desperate defense with primitive weapons, and his election as tribal chief after Mangus's death.
Chapter 28
Removals
Geronimo recounts moving his people to join Chief Victoria's band at Hot Springs after a period of hardship and scarcity. They enjoy a peaceful year with Victoria, culminating in a four-day feast. Geronimo then makes a treaty with General Howard at Apache Pass, praising Howard's honesty and fair treatment. After Howard's departure, internal conflicts and an incident involving outlawed Indians lead to the band's separation, with Geronimo returning to Victoria's band.
Chapter 29
XVI: In Prison and on the Warpath
Geronimo recounts his imprisonment and chaining at Hot Springs, his trial and release, and the ongoing distrust that led him and his followers to leave the reservation multiple times. He describes battles with U.S. and Mexican troops, a meeting with General Crook, and the seizure of their cattle, reinforcing his belief in Crook's betrayal.
Chapter 30
The Final Struggle
Geronimo recounts the final phase of his resistance, including his decision to remain in Mexico, constant skirmishes with U.S. and Mexican troops, the breaking of his band into small groups, and his eventual treaty with General Miles. He describes the terms offered by Miles and his reluctant agreement, which he later feels was broken.
Chapter 31
Surrender of Geronimo
This chapter details the surrender of Geronimo and his band to General Miles at Skeleton Canyon in 1886, including the terms of surrender, the role of Captain Lawton and Lieutenant Gatewood, and the subsequent controversy over whether the surrender was unconditional or included promises of safety and reunion with families. It also includes a civilian account of the aftermath and questions whether the U.S. government honored the treaty.
Chapter 32
XIX: A Prisoner of War
Geronimo recounts his imprisonment after surrender, including forced labor at Fort Pickens, violation of the Skeleton Canyon treaty, relocation to Alabama and later Fort Sill, personal losses and marriages, struggles with government mismanagement of Apache funds and livestock, and his eventual relief from labor by General Miles.
Chapter 33
Part IV: The Old and the New
This chapter explores the tension between traditional Apache ways and the encroaching new order brought by white settlers and the U.S. government, highlighting Geronimo's reflections on cultural loss, survival, and adaptation.
Chapter 34
Unwritten Laws of the Apaches
This chapter details the unwritten laws and customs of the Apache people, including trial procedures for wrongdoings, adoption of orphans, the sacred salt lake in the Gila Mountains, the rigorous preparation and testing required for a youth to become a warrior, and the various types of dances—thanksgiving, war, scalp, and social—emphasizing their religious and social significance. It concludes with a description of Eva Geronimo's debut dance in September 1905.
Chapter 35
Trials
This chapter describes the traditional Apache legal process for resolving disputes within the tribe. When an Indian is wronged, he may complain to the chieftain, who presides over a trial. Both accused and accuser present witnesses without interruption, and witnesses are not sworn in because false testimony among their own people is not expected. For serious offenses, the chief may ask two or three leaders to assist in determining guilt. If the accused is found guilty, the injured party sets the penalty, which is generally confirmed by the chief and his associates. If the accused is not guilty, the matter ends and the complaining party forfeits the right to take personal vengeance.
Chapter 36
Adoption of Children
This chapter describes the Apache customs regarding the adoption and care of orphaned children, particularly those left parentless due to war or other causes. It explains that the tribal chief has the authority to adopt such children or arrange for their care, and that children of outlaws may either accompany their parents or be left with the tribe, with no stigma attached to them.
Chapter 37
Salt Lake
Geronimo describes the Apache practice of obtaining salt from a small lake in the Gila Mountains, emphasizing the sacred truce observed during these visits where no game could be killed and no enemy attacked.
Chapter 38
Preparation of a Warrior
This chapter details the rigorous process by which a youth is admitted as a warrior in the Apache tribe, including four warpath expeditions, strict conduct, and a council vote. It emphasizes war as a solemn religious matter, the importance of courage and discretion, and the eventual election of a chief.
Chapter 39
Dances
Geronimo describes the various types of Apache dances—Thanksgiving, War, Scalp, and Social—emphasizing their religious and ceremonial nature. He details the social dance held for his daughter Eva's debut, including the rituals, partner selection, and marriage proposals that occur during the 'lovers' dance.'
Chapter 40
A Dance of Thanksgiving
The chapter describes the annual summer tradition of gathering yucca fruit, grinding it into cakes, and assembling the tribe for a feast of singing, dancing, and giving praises to Usen. Prayers of thanksgiving are offered by all, and during the dance, leaders carry the cakes and interject words of praise into the music.
Chapter 41
The War Dance
This chapter describes the war dance performed after a council of warriors has deliberated and prepared for the warpath. The dance features singing led by warriors, accompanied by the beating of the esadadene, with violent movements and war whoops that sometimes drown out the music. Only warriors participate.
Chapter 42
Scalp Dance
This chapter describes the scalp dance, a ceremonial event held after a war party returns. Warriors display the scalps they have taken, carrying them on poles or spears around campfires. The dance combines solemnity with levity, including yells, war whoops, and occasional gunfire. After the dance, the scalps are discarded as they are considered defiling.
Chapter 43
A Social Dance
Geronimo describes the social dance held in September 1905 for his daughter Eva's debut into womanhood, detailing the ceremonial dances, the lovers' dance, and the customs of gift-giving and marriage proposals among the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa attendees.
Chapter 44
At the World's Fair
Geronimo recounts his reluctant participation in the St. Louis World's Fair, where he was placed under the supervision of the Indian Department with presidential approval. He describes selling his photographs and autograph, the restrictions placed on his movements, and his observations of various exhibits and performances, including a moving house (elevator), simulated storms, glassblowing, and a white bear. He reflects on the kindness of white people compared to Mexicans and expresses a wish that his people could have attended.
Chapter 45
Religion
Geronimo reflects on Apache religious beliefs, the afterlife, and his eventual adoption of Christianity. He recounts a vision of the spirit world told by another warrior and expresses his hope that the Christian faith will help him live rightly.
Chapter 46
Hopes for the Future
Geronimo expresses his gratitude to the President for allowing him to tell his story and appeals for the Apache people to be allowed to return to their ancestral homeland in Arizona. He reflects on the broken treaty with General Miles, the unsuitability of their current lands, and his hope that his people may live in peace and prosperity in their native land.
Chapter 47
Endnotes
The endnotes provide editorial clarifications, historical corrections, and additional context for Geronimo's narrative, including details about treaties, battles, cultural practices, and the fate of various Apache leaders and individuals.
Chapter 48
List of Illustrations
This chapter presents a list of illustrations depicting key figures, scenes, and artifacts from Geronimo's life and the Apache experience, including portraits of Geronimo, Naiche, and other tribal members, as well as images of Apache camps, scouts, and the mission at Fort Sill.
