The movie is a both an oversimplification and an over-dramatization of Gatewood and his role in Arizona. Worse is the apparent loss of distinct identity between the Apaches (eg White Mountain, Chiricahua, etc.) that he worked with and were his neighbors for the majority of his career in the department.
Gatewood's formative experience was with the White Mountain Apaches, who are distinct from the sub-group to whom Geronimo belonged. He served as the chief military administrator at the Fort Apache Reservation and as the commander for the local scout detachment. Gatewood was known for fair dealing and for risking his career and standing in defending their interests. One case pitted him not only against a politically connected local businessman who was attempting to defraud the White Mountain, but also his superior, General Crook, who preferred that he drop the issue. Gatewood took a personal interest in the White Mountain, so much so that his belief that he had lost face following a dispute, caused him to submit his resignation from the position. Asked later about Gatewood's departure, many White Mountain Apache indicated no ill-will toward Gatewood and were genuinely puzzled at his reassignment. The fact is, the White Mountain Apaches still live in the White Mountains in Arizona near Fort Apache.
The Chiricahuas are a different story and a different set of dynamics, too complicated for the scope of this response. Regardless, Gatewood, despite dehabilitating rheumatism, followed Geronimo's band into Mexico in 1886. He traveled hundreds of miles over mountainous terrain and faced hostile Mexican authorities. He helped to negotiate Geronimo's surrender, oversaw Geronimo's unmolested return and ensured that his military superior, General Miles kept the terms he negotiated. This forced Miles to tell then President Cleveland to pound sand when he demanded that the train carrying Geronimo be stopped pending charges against Geronimo and his followers by civil authorities.
Say what you will about Patric's portrayal of Gatewood, but for a man that ended up crippled by his military service and died at 43 of a painful case of stomach cancer, wimp is an entirely inappropriate characterization.
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dannieboy20906
10 years ago
In fact, the White Mountain Apaches own Fort Apache. You need to buy a ticket from them to visit the fort.
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