Geronimo's Namesake

Geronimo the restaurant is named for the one of the most iconic figures in South Western history. An apache rebel who, after losing his family to Mexican soldiers, led a militia against the Mexican and American armies for over thirty years. Geronimo, famous for bringing a knife to a gun fight, became legendary for his ability to hold off large armies with limited resources, munitions and able soldiers.

Though Geronimo was buried in Fort Still, Oklahoma, it is rumored that his remains may now rest in New Haven, CT in one of Yale's most prestigious secret societies - Skull and Bones.

In 1918, some of Geronimo's bones and the horse bridle he was buried with were stolen from Fort Still in a grave robbery. There were three members of Skull and Bones stationed at Fort Still at the time, including George H. Bush's father, Prescott Bush. It has been alleged that these members stole and delivered these remains to the tomb of Skull and Bones where they are used in initiation rituals.

Harilyn Geronimo, great grandson of our namesake, wrote to President George W. Bush stating, "According to our traditions, the remains of this sort, especially in this state where the grave was desecrated ... need to be reburied with the proper rituals ... to return the dignity and let his spirits rest in peace."1

If Geronimo's last resting place is in fact New Haven, we hope our small piece of the South West will make him feel at home.

1Andrew Buncombe (2006). Geronimo's family call on Bush to help return his skeleton. The Independent.