Sending Geronimo Off With a Song

On September 8, 1886, the Fourth Cavalry Regimental Band was on hand when Geronimo and the last free Apaches were marched to Bowie Station to be sent by train into exile in Florida. The band played “Auld Lang Syne” to mock Geronimo.

Geronimo is remembered as perhaps the most famous Indian in American history. He spent years as a prisoner of war, but became a celebrity, he even marched in the inauguration parade of President Theodore Roosevelt.

He died on Feb. 17, 1909 after falling from his horse.  His nephew said his deathbed words were: “I should never have surrendered.  I should have fought until I was the last man alive.”

His name still stands for bravery and daring.  On May 2, 2011, when American forces found and killed Osama bin Laden, the mission was named “Operation Geronimo.”