Original Photograph Of Chiricahua Apache, Geronimo.

IRWIN, WILLAM and TOM BURDICK - PHOTOGRAPHER

Other works by IRWIN, WILLAM and TOM BURDICK - PHOTOGRAPHER

Publication: Irwin-Photography, Circa late-1890's, Chickasha, Indian Territory

Original Photograph of famous Apache warrior, Geronimo. Cabinet Card. Image: 3.875" x 5.5". Mount: 5.25" x 7.375". Geronimo, most famous of all Apache warriors and chiefs, was born, of Chiricahua parentage, on the upper Gila River in 1825. As a young man, he served Cochise, hereditary chief of the Chiricahuas, and Mangas Coloradas, chief of the Mimbrenos. After the death of Cochise in 1874, raids into Mexico increased. In 1877 Geronimo was captured and sent to San Carlos reservation, where he remained through the late 1870's. In 1881, after the battle at Cibicue Creek, Geronimo and nearly 80 others left San Carlos for Mexico. Geronimo returned in 1882, forcing many Mimbrenos to join him in Mexico. In late 1882 General Crook was ordered to return to Arizona to subdue the Apaches, who were raiding and killing throughout much of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Finally in March, 1886 Geronimo met with Crook at the Canyon de Los Embudos, agreeing to return to the United States. Two days later Geronimo changed his mind and escaped back into the mountains of Mexico. In July, 1886 Geronimo finally surrendered, and was sent to Fort Pickens, in Florida, with many of his followers. In 1887 he was sent to Mount Vernon, Alabama, where many of the Apaches died due to tuberculosis and other illnesses. In 1894 the Kiowa and Comanche Indians offered to share their reservation with the remaining Apaches, to which the government agreed. Geronimo remained a prisoner of war, at Fort Sill, Indian Territory until his death in 1909. This photograph was taken at Fort Sill in 1898 by Tom Burdick, a civil engineer with the U.S. Medical Department. Geronimo sits on bales of hay dressed in a buckskin shirt with long fringes on chest, sleeves, and shoulders. A blanket with bold vertical stripes covers his lap. Around his waist is an ammunition belt, with his right hand gripping a large pistol tucked in his belt. On his head he wears a unique horned headdress. It is a bold image of Geronimo, brightly lit by the sun. A handsome image. The mount is tan, textured board with "Irwin, Chickasha, Ind. Ter." printed in gilt along bottom edge. Neatly written in pencil on the back is: "Geronimo, Chief of the Notorious Band of Arizona Apaches. He is now a prisoner of war at Ft. Sill--where we go tomorrow". This cabinet card must have been purchased and immediately placed in a dark protective space. This photograph is pristine...flawless, including the mount!! A rare and striking image of this notorious Apache warrior!

Inventory Number: 54127