Chief Geronimo, Apache, 1898 Postcard

Chief Geronimo, Apache, 1898, Fort Sills, Pastel Drawing by Burbank, E. A. (Elbridge Ayer), 1858-1949 Chief Geronimo's birth date is disputed. Some say he was born June 16, 1829, others say in 1823. His original name was Goyahkla. He died of pneumonia after being thrown from his horse and lying cold all night. He died as a prisoner at Fort Sills on February 17, 1909 and was nearly 90. He was a prominent chief of the Bedonkohe Apache who fought against Mexico and the US government with great courage and resistance. This is a commemorative item honoring Chief Geronimo and it was created on the 104th anniversary of his passing. The original portrait is in the Yale University Library.