The Truth About Geronimo

By Britton Davis

Book Overview

"The Truth About Geronimo" provides a compelling first-hand account of one of the most significant chapters in the history of the American West. Written by Britton Davis, an officer in the Third Cavalry who served under General George Crook, this work offers an insider's perspective on the pursuit and eventual surrender of the legendary Apache leader, Geronimo. Unlike many sensationalized accounts of the era, Davis delivers a measured and detailed narrative of the 1885-1886 campaign in the rugged terrain of the Southwest and Northern Mexico.

The book delves into the complex realities of the Apache Wars, shedding light on the frustrations, misunderstandings, and military challenges faced by the United States Army. Davis portrays Geronimo and the Chiricahua Apaches with a level of nuance that was often missing from contemporary reports, documenting the grueling conditions of the scouts and the internal tensions within the military command. As both a memoir and a historical record, "The Truth About Geronimo" serves as an essential resource for understanding the end of the Indian Wars and the final resistance of the Apache people. It remains a foundational text for scholars and enthusiasts of Native American history and military strategy in the 19th-century frontier.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1026054907
• ISBN13: 9781026054901
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Get it from the source.

Instead of depending on the foolish politically correct hollywood movies to learn history about this country and the people involved, read about history from those closest to the actual events. This book appears to be generally unbiased and fair about the events surrounding the Apachie and Geronimo. Of course there is always some bias because people are influenced by their own perspectives and feelings, but on the whole it was a pretty good book.

title says it all

This book is one of the true historically significant accounts of events that have been forever shrouded in lies and fiction. If you are interested in historically accurate accounts of the late Apache wars, this is one of the must-read books. Davis just wanted the truth told, so he did it himself after watching glory-seeking sycophants take credit for, and be lauded for the heroic actions of others. Davis's views on his enemy Apaches, as well as the Apache scouts, show the wisdom and respect only a true and sage adversary can attest to. You won't be sorry you bought this book. Another must read is "On The Border With Crook" by John G. Bourke.

Good read

For any one interested in the real facts of the Apache campains this is for you. It may take a little patience to get through the early reading, Davis is very detailed in names and dates but he has real first hand accounts of things that acctually occured. This is a man I think saw and admired the native people and did his duty in a fair and just manner. Davis is an admiral person and does a great justice to the Indian and the attrocities they endured but at the same time points out that just like in every culture a few bad apples can spoil the lot. He also points out that the government did far more decieving to the Indian they ever did to the government. I always respected the Native Americans and even more so after this book.

True Grit

Britton Davis's reason for writing this book in the 1920's was to set straight some outlandish tales that were being published about who "captured" Geronimo, and some even more fictitious writings on the "Indian Wars." This is an excellent book, as an adventure tale, as a look at the 'civilized' persons' outlook toward "the Indians" of the day, as a look at the horrific way our government tried to solve the 'indian problem' with a one-size-fits-all method (sound familiar?), and a look at Apaches as individuals rather than all-bad or all-good. For a tremendous balance of outlooks, read this book along with Eve Ball's "Indeh".

A Must Read

In 99.9% of all books written by whitemen about American Indians it is hard to find even a grain of truth or fact. This book is the exception that proves the rule!While nothing is glossed over, the author does not attempt to sway the reader with sensationalism. He tells about his experiences and gives the good with the bad. He exhibits an almost unheard of ability to set aside any preconceived notions and actually see clearly both sides of the conflict AND views the American Indian as a human being, not some sort of subspecies.An exceptional view of reality that should be required reading in all American history classes from junior high/middle school through the college level.