Geronimo is one of the most famous Apache Chiefs of early Arizona history. He was born on 16 June, 1829 and lived a fairly peaceful life until 1858 when a troop of Mexican Soldiers attacked and killed many of the members of his family. After that, Geronimo had a fierce dislike for those of Mexican descent and he fought against Mexico and the United States for their encroachment on Apache lands.
Geronimo encouraged raids against Mexican villages and provinces, and eventually started including American settlements across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. He was well known for the hit and run warfare necessary for a small band of warriors to be successful against such a large adversary.
Geronimo used the Superstition Mountains of Arizona as a safe place away from the US Army. The Army did not like to enter the mountains due to the number of ambush points, and caves in which to hide. A successful campaign against any hostile group was a strategic and tactical nightmare. The superior numbers of the US Army was mitigated by the sheer canyon walls, and the army’s fire power was limited to small arms. Artillery such as cannons could not access the area due to the extreme terrain, and the advantage of the cannons range was nullified by the steep canyon walls of the mountains.
Geronimo had a favorite cave in the Superstitions. This cave was positioned high in a canyon which had a commanding view of any approach for nearly a mile. It was a perfect place to defend. If the Army was able to rush the cave, Geronimo’s men could easily slip away and disappear into the nooks and crannies of the Superstition Mountains.
Geronimo finally surrendered in 1886 to US authorities. He became a very popular prisoner of war. Many politicians would seek him out for a photo opportunity. Geronimo was never allowed to return to his homeland. He died on 17 February, 1909 when he was thrown from a horse.
Geronimo’s Cave is located near Freemont Pass, and the Peralta Trail passes below the entrance to the cave. It is a very interesting place to visit. GPS point 33,24,45,-111,21,20
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