Geronimo
Geronimo
In 1829 Geronimo was born into an Apache tribe. His original Native American name was Gokhlayeh or “One Who Yawns.” He was later given the name Geronimo by the Mexicans. He grew up in the Gila river area in the Arizona region. Geronimo was a very active young man who had much dislike for the Mexican people. As a young man Geronimo started raids and attacks on the Mexican and American people. He did not like their ways and was against their belief that the land belonged to them, instead of his Apache people. Geronimo would often lead his tribesmen into sneak attacks on the Mexicans and steal their horses and other valuable things.
Geronimo quickly became known as a very intelligent and resourceful Native American warrior. He was seen as a serious threat to the Mexican people so they killed his mother, wife, and three children. After this terrible act was committed upon Geronimo’s family, he became committed to seeking vengeance on the Mexican soldiers. For nineteen years Geronimo made many successful attacks on the Mexicans. He, along with members of his tribe, were very angry with the Mexicans for what they had done and what they continued to do to the Native Americans. In 1877 Geronimo was captured and kept on a Native American Reservation. Geronimo is still remembered as one of the most famous and courageous Native American chiefs in history.
Directions: Circle the letter that best answers each question.
1. What is a synonym for active in paragraph one?
a. energetic
b. weird
c. dirty
d. slow
2. What tribe did Geronimo belong to?
a. Cherokee c. Creek
b. Apache
c. Creek
d. Sioux
3. What word means the same as valuable in paragraph two?
a. lost
b. saddened
c. hated
d. loved
4. Where was Geronimo kept after he was captured?
a. jail
b. prison
c. reservation
d. hunting grounds
Summarize this passage using, “who, what, when, where, and why.”
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