I got the unique experience of visiting Geronimo’s gravesite on Fort Sill near Lawton Oklahoma. It’s located on Fort Sill which is an active army base and is gated and requires a military ID for entry. Please call the visitor center to find out details on your exact circumstances.
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Visiting The Apache POW Cemetery
Geronimo’s gravesite is located at 34.696798, -98.370441. The gravesite is located in an Apache POW cemetery located on Fort Sill Oklahoma. There is a unique history and a story that culminated with members of the Apache tribe living in this part of the fort for years, some even joining the US Army and contributing to other battles and wars.
The Apaches hail from the American Southwest. Geronimo was part of many battles against US soldiers throughout the 1800s. He garnered respect as a great battlefield leader and tactician but wasn’t a chief. Many warriors specifically wanted to fight with Geronimo due to his battle prowess.
The gravesite is located in an area on the northeast side of the base. Buried around his gravesite are his wives and fellow warriors. Several hundred other burial sites are all around this area too and there is an entire separate grave for other Apache POWs across the street. There are even modern graves in this area. Several recent graves are in the area so I’m not sure how these people gained access to this POW cemetery. I assume they are descendants of the original Apaches confined to the base in the early 1900s.
Suppose you’re ever around southwest Oklahoma and can arrange the time and visit, or have an ID card to get on base. In that case, you should stop by Fort Sill and see Geronimo’s grave, learn a little about the history of these Native Americans, and pay your respects to this important person in American history.
His grave is located on Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
People with approved DoD IDs who can enter Fort Sill are allowed to visit. Civilians without proper DoD ID must request permission from the Fort Sill Visitor Center. See the link above.