Geronimo, “the one who yawns,” was the leader and medicine man of the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache tribe. An attack in 1858, by Mexican soldiers, killed his mother, wife and three children. Geronimo joined with other Apache bands between 1850 and 1886 carrying out numerous raids of U.S. and Mexican military campaigns. Geronimo surrendered three times and briefly accepted life on Apache Reservations but found life confining and retreated to his customary way of life. In 1886 after his third reservation breakout, he surrendered for the last time. As a prisoner of war in his old age, he became a celebrity, appearing at fairs including the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. He was never allowed to return to the land of his birth.
This Geronimo mug is part of our Native American biographical series. Indigenous Americans in the United States are descendants of Pre-Columbian Era people who populated these lands. Prior to 1492, there were many different nations, bands, and tribes. After contact with the Europeans who began to explore and colonize the Americas, the populations of these groups dramatically declined. During the 19th century as explorers, settlers and the military moved into the West conflicts became frequent. We would like to honor the notable men and women, from the past and the present, who deserve acknowledgment and recognition for their roles in Native American history.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.