The Apache Wars Ended at This Lonely Arizona Canyon Where Geronimo Surrendered in 1886

Skeleton Canyon, Arizona

In 1886, a narrow canyon in Arizona’s Peloncillo Mountains became the stage for one of America’s most famous surrenders.

Geronimo, the Apache leader who had evaded capture for decades, finally laid down his weapons here. The moment ended three decades of fierce resistance across the Southwest.

Here’s the full account of those final days in the high desert.

Cochise Faces Betrayal Under White Flag

The Apache Wars began in February 1861 when Lieutenant Bascom falsely accused Cochise of kidnapping a rancher’s stepson. Bascom invited Cochise to meet under a white flag, which meant peace talks.

During their meeting, soldiers surrounded Cochise’s group and took his family hostage. Cochise cut through the tent with his knife and escaped while bullets flew around him. Bascom then killed six Apache men, including Cochise’s brother and nephews.

This betrayal started 25 years of fighting across Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.

Medicine Man Who Emerged from Grief

Geronimo was born in 1829 to the Bedonkohe Apache near what is now New Mexico. His Apache name was Goyaałé, meaning “one who yawns.” Mexican soldiers later gave him the name Geronimo.

In 1858, Mexican troops killed his mother, wife, and three children during a raid. This loss turned his grief into a burning desire for revenge against both Mexican and American forces.

Though not a chief by birth, others followed him because of his fighting skills and spiritual powers as a medicine man.

Sand and Stone Prison Walls

In 1874, the U.S. Army forced 4,000 Apaches to move to the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. This dry, barren land was nothing like their mountain homes. Nothing grew in the poor soil, making it impossible for Apaches to feed themselves.

Food from the government came rarely and was often spoiled. Guards stopped anyone trying to leave. Apache men could no longer hunt or fight. Women couldn’t gather the plants they needed for food and medicine.

Disease spread quickly in the crowded living spaces.

Breaking Free from Government Chains

Between 1876 and 1886, Geronimo escaped the reservation three times. His largest breakout happened in May 1885, when he led 35 men, 8 boys, and 101 women into Mexico. His small bands hit isolated ranches and camps for supplies before vanishing into the mountains.

Geronimo mastered desert warfare, traveling at night and hiding his tracks. Cavalry soldiers rode tired horses into rocky canyons while Apache fighters watched from hiding spots. Military leaders claimed they would catch Geronimo soon, but he moved freely between Arizona and Mexico.

Crook Loses His Quarry

General Crook tracked Geronimo to a canyon in Mexico in March 1886. Both sides agreed to meet, and a photographer named C.S. Fly took the only pictures ever captured of American Indians still fighting the United States.

After three days of talks, Geronimo agreed to surrender. That evening, a soldier brought whiskey and warned Geronimo that he would be killed once back in U.S. territory. Under cover of darkness, Geronimo, Naiche, and 39 followers slipped away.

This escape forced Crook to resign on April 1, 1886.

Miles Deploys Army Quarter Against Few

General Miles took command on April 11, 1886, bringing new tactics. He sent 5,000 soldiers—a quarter of the entire U.S. Army—to hunt down fewer than 40 Apaches. Cavalry watched water holes while infantry blocked mountain passes.

Miles set up mirror stations on peaks throughout southern Arizona to flash messages about Apache movements. Mexican forces added 3,000 more troops south of the border. Soldiers destroyed food stores and water sources, never allowing Geronimo’s band to rest during the hot summer.

Lieutenant Reaches Sierra Madre Stronghold

On July 13, 1886, Miles ordered Lieutenant Gatewood to find Geronimo in Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains. Gatewood knew Apache language and customs, and had met with tribal leaders before.

He took two Apache scouts named Martine and Kayitah, who were related to members of Geronimo’s band. Despite being sick with painful joint disease, Gatewood rode south into Mexico.

After a difficult journey, Gatewood found Geronimo’s camp on August 24, 1886, putting himself at the mercy of warriors who could have killed him instantly.

Two Men Face Across Mountain Fire

Gatewood sat with Geronimo by a small fire and delivered crushing news. All Chiricahua families, including Geronimo’s relatives, had been sent to Florida prisons by train. Gatewood honestly explained Miles’ demand for complete surrender, refusing to make false promises.

He told Geronimo his people would remain prisoners whether he fought or not. Warriors talked through the night while Gatewood waited. At dawn, Geronimo agreed to meet Miles but insisted on keeping weapons until they reached Skeleton Canyon.

Warriors Lay Down Rifles In Canyon

Geronimo’s band arrived at Skeleton Canyon on August 28, 1886. General Miles came six days later from Fort Bowie with officers and translators for the final surrender talks.

The Apache group consisted of eighteen warriors, thirteen women, and six children including two babies.

Their torn clothes and thin bodies showed months of hardship. Miles and Geronimo met on September 3 and 4. Geronimo handed his rifle to Miles and said he would fight no more and live peacefully from then on.

Prisoners Instead of Peace

Miles promised Geronimo a short time in Florida followed by a return to Arizona. This promise was soon broken. Soldiers loaded Geronimo and his warriors onto trains with barred windows, beginning a journey into permanent captivity.

The military separated families, sending women and children to one fort while men went to another 300 miles away. The humid coastal air made these desert people sick. The government also imprisoned the loyal Apache scouts who had helped track Geronimo. Eastern tourists paid to see Geronimo behind bars like an animal in a zoo.

Visiting the Geronimo Surrender Monument

You’ll find the Geronimo Surrender Monument along Highway 80 between Douglas and Rodeo, approximately 35 miles northeast of Douglas, Arizona.

The monument stands next to a small covered picnic area with parking for several vehicles.

The site is open 24 hours daily with no entrance fee. No restroom facilities or water are available, so come prepared, especially during summer months when temperatures often exceed 100°F.

Read more from WheninYourState.com:

• This Ancient Arizona Pueblo Is Built Entirely From Colorful 225-Million-Year-Old Petrified Wood
• The Ancient Cliff Dwellings with No Aztec Heritage Despite Its Name — Here’s Who Actually Built Them
• Volcano Ash Drew Thousands to Build This 104-Room Ancient Metropolis in Arizona’s High Desert