Geronimo’s final band pictured in front of the train car taking them to prison in Florida. Geronimo is in the front row, third from the right. Immediately to his left is Chief Naiche. In the back row, third from the right is Lozen, the famous woman warrior. This is the only known photograph of her
Geronimo was a prominent Native American leader of the Apache tribe. He was born in 1829 in what is now Arizona, USA, and he became one of the most renowned and fierce Apache warriors in history.
Geronimo’s birth name was Goyahkla, which means “One Who Yawns” in the Apache language. He gained his more well-known name, Geronimo, through his interactions with Mexican soldiers who called him by that name during battles.
Geronimo led his people in resisting the encroachment of Mexican and American settlers on Apache lands. He became known for his strategic raids and his ability to elude capture by both military forces and bounty hunters. Geronimo’s resistance efforts lasted for several decades, as he fought against the Mexican and United States governments in defense of Apache lands and their traditional way of life.
In 1886, Geronimo finally surrendered to the U.S. Army after a long pursuit. He and his followers were subsequently imprisoned in Florida, then later transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he lived the remainder of his life. Geronimo became a celebrity figure, and he made appearances at various events, including the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
Who is Lozen?
Lozen was a prominent warrior and spiritual leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe. She was born around 1840 in present-day New Mexico, USA, and was the sister of the renowned Apache leader Victorio.
Lozen is celebrated for her exceptional skills as a warrior and her strong spiritual connection. She played a crucial role in the defense of her people’s homeland and became known for her bravery, strategic prowess, and her ability to predict the movements of enemy forces.
Lozen fought alongside her brother Victorio during the Apache Wars, a series of conflicts between the Apache people and the United States government. She was a skilled horsewoman and a formidable fighter, gaining a reputation for her marksmanship with a rifle and her mastery of traditional Apache combat techniques.
Beyond her combat abilities, Lozen possessed spiritual gifts. She was believed to have the power to detect the presence of enemies and predict their movements. Her abilities as a warrior and a seer made her a respected and influential figure among the Apache.
During the Apache Wars, Lozen played a significant role in the defense and survival of her people. She participated in numerous battles, raids, and skirmishes, and was particularly instrumental in the escape of her people from the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona.