By the time Geronimo was ten, the strength of the Apache Nation was diminishing. They had inhabited the land where they lived for over a thousand years. They had migrated to the area from northwestern Canada and had adapted well. In the winter, they moved from one camp to another and traveled as far south as Mexico. In summer, they stayed in Arizona. The women of the tribe planted small crops and tended them during the hot summer months. Though they were known to their enemies as ferocious, they were a people of great discipline. The were physically strong and had a fierce sense of loyalty.
By the time Geronimo was eight, he could shoot small game from the back of a galloping horse. At age twelve, he showed the skills of a great warrior.
One of the greatest events of the year for the Apache, was the fall migration. They moved their people southward at this time. Though the Apache and the Mexicans didn't trust one another, they each needed the wares of the other. The Apache traded blankets and cured pelts for guns, powder, knives and cloth. However, the Mexicans took advantage of the Apache. In return, the Apache looted and raided to make up their losses.
At this time, Mexican bounty hunters often traveled north into Apache territory to collect scalps. The going rate was $100 for a male scalp and $50 for a female's. Scalping had been brought to the area by white settlers. The practice was despised by the Apache. They retaliated by attacking villages and towns in Mexico.
Geronimo was not a hereditary chief. People assumed he was because he was the spokesperson for Chief Juh, of the Chiricahua Apache. Juh stuttered and didn't like to speak in public. Geronimo found it easy to speak and had no problem aiding Juh.
In 1858, Geronimo returned home to find his family had been killed by Spanish troops. The incident changed Geronimo's life. From that time on, he hated all whites. Geronimo wanted revenge. In 1859, he took a band of Apache warriors and made his way into Mexico. The battle between the Apache and Mexicans continued for two hours. When Geronimo and his warriors rode away, the Spanish troops were all dead.
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