Geronimo, actual name ''Goyathlay'\' ("One Who Yawns"), (1829 - February 17, 1909) was a prominent Native American leader of the Apache who long warred against the encroachment of settlers of European descent on tribal lands.
Geronimo was born in what is now the state of New Mexico and according to the maps of the time was part of Mexico, but which his family considered Bedonkohe Apache land. He grew up to be a respected medicine man and an accomplished warrior who fought frequently with Mexican troops. His Mexican adversaries gave him the nickname of "Geronimo", the Spanish language version of the name "Jerome".
Geronimo fought against ever increasing numbers of both Mexican and United States troops and became famous for his daring exploits and numerous escapes from capture.
Geronimo's forces became the last major force of independent Indian warriors who refused to acknowledge the United States Government in the American West. This came to an end on September 4, 1886, when Geronimo surrendered to United States Army General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona.
Geronimo was sent in as a prisoner to Fort Pickens, Florida. In 1894 he was moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In his own age Geronimo became something of a celebrity, appearing at fairs and selling souvenirs and photographs of himself, but not allowed to return to the land of his birth. He rode in President Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 inaugural parade. Geronimo died at Fort Sill.