Geronimo and his remaining Apache warriors, tired of warring with the governments of the United States and Mexico, surrender in 1883 to the U. S. Cavalry in return for the promise of food, shelter, and land of their own. They find instead that they are expected to live on San Carlos Reservation as humble farmers. Teela, the reservation schoolteacher, tries to persuade Geronimo to learn reading and writing, so as to share in the white man's civilization. The government representative then conspires to sell part of the Indian reservation to a cattle dealer, and Geronimo and his tribe flee to Mexico. Once there, they renew their war with the cavalry in the hope of arousing national sympathy for their cause. They make raids for food and arms and force Teela to return with them. She becomes Geronimo's wife. The tiny band continues to fight against enormous odds. Word of the injustice they have suffered finally reaches Washington, and Senator Conrad is sent to investigate the uprising. As he arrives, the Apaches are being cornered and are about to be annihilated. Conrad succeeds in convincing Geronimo that the United States Government is prepared to sign a new and more just treaty, and the Apaches again surrender.