The leader of the Apache during the American Indian Wars was Geronimo. Born in 1829, he became a prominent figure known for his resistance against Mexican and American encroachments on Apache lands. Geronimo led several raids across the borderlands and was involved in numerous battles and escapes. His leadership and fierce dedication to the Apache culture made him a significant symbol of Native American resistance during the tumultuous period of the American Indian Wars. He eventually surrendered in 1886 and spent the remainder of his life as a prisoner of war, yet he remained a legendary figure among Indigenous peoples.