Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Last of the Apache Chiefs Summary

The Last of the Apache Chiefs Summary

The Chiricahua Apache tribe divides itself in 1874 after the death of its chief, Cochise, with Taza becoming chief of the Chiricahuas and Taglito assuming leadership on the Apache Pass reservation. The U.S. government seizes the chance to consolidate the Apaches into one reservation at San Carlos when they hear news of Apache attacks on white settlers. The Apaches, including Geronimo and Victorio, escape into Mexico where they steal livestock and subsequently sell it in New Mexico in order to buy food and supplies for their people.

Eventually, Victorio is hunted down and killed in Mexico, and Geronimo, hearing of the order for his own arrest, travels to the reservation to free as many Apaches as he can. Geronimo is able to return to Mexico where he negotiates with the Indian agent, Crook. Geronimo promises to return to the reservation, which he does eight months later in March of 1886.