<<

National Historic Site U.S. Department of the Interior Sand Creek Massacre

By the dim light I could see the soldiers, It is difficult to believe that beings in the charging down on the camp from each form of men, and disgracing the uniform side . . . at first the people stood huddled of soldiers and officers, in the village, but as the soldiers came could commit or countenance . . . such on they broke and fled . . . acts of cruelty and barbarity . . . —Congressional Joint Committee on —, son of trader the Conduct of the War, 1865 and , a

(Left) Bent is shown with wife Magpie, niece of Black Col. John Chivington (near left), leader of the attack, Kettle and survivor of the massacre. Cheyenne leader and Pvt. Joseph Aldrich, who was killed at Sand Creek. War Bonnet (right) died at Sand Creek.

In the 1800s columns of U.S. Cavalry were a growing presence on the . BACKGROUND PHOTO: NPS; WAR BONNET & CHIVINGTON: WWW.PICTUREHISTORY.COM; OTHER PORTRAITS & CAVALRY: PUBLIC LIBRARY

Sand Creek—a windswept place haunted by violence rising at their backs, a long column of began their evacuation up the dry creek channel squads chased after Indians in all directions. Soldiers pursued Indians fleeing over the , riders moved up dry Big Sandy Creek toward and onto the plains. Cheyenne chiefs , Captain Soule’s and Lieutenant Cramer’s units riding down and killing those they found. When and broken promises. The 1864 massacre of Cheyenne the tipis along its banks. The village’s 700 Chey­ Standing In The Water, and White Antelope, of the First Regiment refused to fire, standing the firing ended, 165 to 200 Cheyenne and and people opened the last phase of a broader enne and Arapaho people were stirring, tending with Arapaho chief Left Hand, walked toward down and remaining in formation. Arapaho people were killed—two-thirds of them conflict betweenN ative Americans and a rapidly ex- to chores. The temporary camp was along the the mounted soldiers to ask for a parley. Caval­ women, children, and elderly. Another 200 were northern of the Fort Wise Treaty lands, rymen crossed the creek, firing into them and Of the 100 fighting-age men in the camp, some wounded or maimed. Of the army’s 675 soldiers, panding nation. At stake were two ways of using the where most felt protected. Hearing distant hoof the village. All but Black Kettle were killed or formed lines of battle, trying to cover those about 16 were killed and 70 wounded. land, of seeing the world. The massacre deepened Plains beats, Indian women called out, “The buffalo mortally wounded. fleeing. Into the early afternoon soldiers poured are coming!” a relentless fire into stragglers until their ammu­ The next day some soldiers looted, scalped, and Indian resistance to American expansion, spurring a Col. John Chivington arrived with the artillery nition ran out. Most who surrendered were exe­ mutilated the dead. After ransacking and burning cycle of raids and reprisals. But the savagery at Sand But on this cold November morning the “buf­ at the edge of the village. He gave the order to cuted. The treeless stream bed provided little the camp, they left the site bearing human body falo” were hundreds of blue-clad soldiers. The fire, then ordered the howitzers upstream. As cover. Groups of villagers dug pits in the bed in parts as trophies and 600 horses, scattering the Creek also helped awaken America to the plight of its alarm went through the village. Peace Chief soldiers scattered over many square , com­ a desperate attempt to escape bullets. These rest of the herd. Surviving Cheyenne and Arapaho native peoples. This remains sacred ground—a place to Black Kettle raised a U.S. flag and a white flag mand and control was soon lost, and soldiers “sand pits” proved worthless against almost people, many of them wounded, hid during the honor the dead and dispossessed, a place where they of truce, signals of peaceful intentions. Men died in their own crossfire. The Colorado 3rd point-blank howitzer fire. Most of the women, days, making their way north in frigid weather to gathered weapons and young herders moved Regiment, a group of 100-day U.S. Volunteers, children, and elderly who were killed lost their encampments on the . are not forgotten. the pony herds. Women, children, and elderly lost all unit integrity. Soon individuals and small lives in the sand pits.

4 Map (left) shows the attack in relation to 4 the park . The Core 4 Area includes archeo­ 3 logi­cal evidence of part 2 of the encamp­ment and the creek bend shown in 4 survivor George Bent’s 1914 map (right).

, D.C. 1863 Bent showed sites of Cheyenne delegation in Black Kettle’s band (1), the White House garden other bands (tipis closer with Mary Todd Lincoln to creek bend), and a pit (upper right). Within 18 (2, upper left) dug by months War Bonnet and women to escape the Standing In The Water bullets. Warriors tried to 1 had died at Sand Creek; defend it from their rifle had been killed pits (3, in creek bed), but by were besieged by sol­ Lean Bear War Bonnet Standing In The Water troops. diers (4) from all sides. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS COURTESY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Two Cultures, One Land The Great Plains in the 1800s was a seemingly By 1841, through trade along the Santa Fe and other Immigrants from the United States poured onto the endless expanse of prairie stretching east from the , these tribes built far-ranging trade networks plains. Settlers, miners, and speculators crossed what Rockies toward the , covered with grass and alliances. Bent’s Fort (now Bent’s Old Fort Na­ was then called the “Great American Desert,” seeking and shrub, threaded with tree-lined streams, tracked tional Historic Site), southwest of Sand Creek, was wealth or simply a new start. By 1850, through treaty, by great herds of buffalo. This land was the prize, one trade center. As marriages between traders and annexation, and war, the United States and its territo­ the scene of both struggle and accord between Native American women solidified these ties, the ries spanned the continent. The discovery of gold in Native Americans and the United States. deepening economic relations significantly altered the Rockies brought more immigrants, more settle­ the material lives of the Cheyenne and Arapaho. ment. By 1864 land speculation became a major busi­ The Cheyenne and Arapaho came from the north. ness interest in a Colorado Territory poised on the In the 1600s they had farmed from the Great Lakes brink of statehood. to . Pressured from the east by other tribes, they migrated west, eventually reach­ The stage was set: Here were two vastly different ing the . In less than 50 years the horse cultures, one a rapidly growing, expansionist nation became a crucial part of their lives. Moving south employing industrial technology, intent on fulfilling its onto the plains, they entered what is now Colorado self-proclaimed “.” Directly in its path by the 1820s. They gathered and traded wild horses was a nomadic people dependent on the buffalo hide and hunted buffalo and other animals that provid­ trade. The clash of these two cultures produced a ed food, shelter, tools, and hides for trade. great American tragedy. Cohoe, Cheyenne survivor of Sand Creek, d. 1924 PHOTO BY MARY CHAPMAN (LONG NECK WOMAN), © SERLE CHAPMAN; TIPI POLES WITH FLAGS AND MOCCASINS: © SERLE CHAPMAN Setting for a Tragedy

Native Americans across the plains grew resentful as white settlement of secure the gold fields for the Union. To pave the way for the Colorado Ter­ritory and with tribes in the territory were an obstacle. Anxieties deepened after Confederates disrupted their nomadic ways. Economic developments and increasingly busy overland protect the routes through it, politicians called for a reduction of the treaty lands. A invaded New in a failed attempt to gain access to the Colorado gold fields and and river routes cut across Indian lands and interests. Travelers and settlers competed fraction of the Cheyenne and Arapaho chiefs, including Black Kettle, were called in to transportation routes. Many regular soldiers were committed to the war elsewhere; for grass, water, fuel, and game. To dampen growing tensions the U.S. government negotiate the Treaty of Fort Wise in September 1860. Only six of the Cheyenne Council some settlers and commercial interests felt vulnerable. signed a treaty with the tribes at Fort Laramie in 1851. In exchange for allowing safe of Forty-Four and a few Arapaho leaders agreed to a greatly reduced reserve—the passage for whites, much of the Great Plains was promised to the tribes, with the northern border of which was the “Big Sandy,” now called Sand Creek. Most Cheyenne In early 1864 Native American raids on ranches and stage stations followed by punitive Cheyenne-Arapaho portion stretching between the North Platte and rivers headmen did not acknowledge or may not have been aware of the new treaty; many and preemptive Army expeditions dimmed prospects for peace. Throughout that spring (see map below). still hunted and lived on their old grounds. and summer hysteria and fear increased on both sides: From some quarters the cry went up to solve the “Indian problem.” Many southern Cheyenne and Arapaho, led by chiefs In a few years this arrangement was no longer convenient. After gold was discovered Further complicating the situation, Colorado Territory politicians and like Black Kettle, were still dedicated to peace talks, but warrior societies like in the area in 1858, miners, business interests, and homesteaders began businessmen—led by Gov. John Evans—aspired to statehood. the Cheyenne stiffened their resistance to further white using the Smoky Hill through the 1851 Cheyenne-Arapaho reserve. They wanted To improve prospects they lobbied to protect trade along incursion, raiding along the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Events protection. Then in early 1861, with seven southern states having already seceded and the , bring a rail line to Denver, and create accelerated toward a tragic culmination at Sand Creek. civil war looming, the federal government decided to organize a new territory to a South spur off the Trail. Troubles

1850s 1860s 1864 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1870s–90 Chief Whirlwind survived In 1700s and 1800s Cheyenne 1861 (Feb. 18): Treaty of Fort June 11 Murder of Nathan August 29 In response to September 28 Cheyenne November The Third Colo­ 1864 After Sand Creek 1868 (Nov. 27): Lt. Col. 1871 Indian Appropriations the massacre; he signed and Arapaho had moved from Wise greatly reduces 1851 Hungate family is blamed on Evans’ proclamation of June and Arapaho leaders, in­clud­ rado Cavalry, having seen no Cheyenne and Arapaho retal­ George Custer leads attack Act ends treaty-making, opens the Great Lakes to western Min­ treaty lands. Treaty would “Indians.” Victims’ remains 24, Black Kettle has two edu­ ing Black Kettle, meet with combat, has been mockingly iate, attacking wagon trains, on Black Kettle’s band of era of assimilation. in 1867. ne­sota, then . turn Cheyenne and Arapaho are displayed in Denver, spur­ cated “half-bloods,” including Gover­nor Evans and Colonel labeled the “Bloodless Third.” stations, settlements, and Cheyenne on the Washita COURTESY FIRST PEOPLE; WWW.FIRSTPEOPLE.US Pressure from Lakota pushed into farmers; disputed by ring calls for revenge. George Bent, write letters to Chivington near Denver. Chivington leaves Denver ranches along the South River. Black Kettle is killed. 1876 (June 25) Cheyenne them farther west into South Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. Supply the Indian agent at , Chivington tells them to lay Nov. 20 with command staff. Platte River Trail between and Lakota annihilate Gen. Dakota and . They problems undermine the plan. June 24 Colorado Territory asking for a meeting. They down their arms and turn Companies from the First and Julesburg and Denver. 1868 Ulysses Grant becomes George Custer’s 7th Cavalry adopted the horse and began governor John Evans issues a turn over their prisoners and themselves in at Fort Lyon, Third Cavalry are already en president; promotes “Peace near Little . moving south onto the Great 1861 (Feb. 28) Colorado proclamation to the “friendly agree to a meeting with terri­ promising nothing else. route. Other companies join 1865–69 Dog Soldiers try to Policy” in relations with Plains. The 1825 Friendship Territory organized out of Indians of the plains.” He tells torial and U.S. Army represen­ them along the way. close . Native Americans. 1887 spurs assim­ Treaty formalized relations , , , and them to go to designated tatives. October Evans writes that ilation, dividing reservations between Chey­enne and U.S. territories. Civil “places of safety.” Southern “winter . . . is the most favor­ November 28 Chivington 1865 Treaty of Little Arkansas 1868 14th Amendment’s into allotments; Native gov­ern­ment. War begins six weeks later. Cheyenne and Arapaho are able time for their chastise­ arrives at Fort Lyon with over establishes reservations south definition of citizens as “All Americans holding land pat­ sent to Fort Lyon (formerly ment . . .” (when the Indians’ 850 men. To keep his plans of the . Promised persons born or naturalized in ents are granted citizenship. 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie 1862 Dakota War in Minne­ Fort Wise) on the Arkansas horses are weak and tribes secret, he halts outgoing mail reparations for Sand Creek are the United States, and sub­ assigns to tribes a large swath sota: disputes over annuity River. typically do not make war). and restricts everyone to the never implemented. ject to the jurisdiction there­ 1889 Unassigned lands of the Great Plains and prom­ payments and treaty violations Cheyenne arrive at Fort Lyon. fort. He leaves Fort Lyon that of . . .” is used to exclude in (later ises an­nuities. Tribes guarantee kill hundreds and cause wide­ August 11 Governor Evans Following discussions they night with about 675 men and 1867 Medicine Lodge Treaty Native Americans. Naturaliza­ Oklahoma) are opened to free passage for settlers along spread fear. issues a proclamation author­ go to Sand Creek, where four 12-pounder mountain (never ratified) reduces reser­ tion is also denied them. white settlement. . izing citizens to “kill and Black Kettle’s band is already how­itzers. Column heads for vations from 1865 treaty; raids 1862 Battle of , destroy . . . hostile Indians.” camped and the game and Sand Creek, navigating by the continue. 1869 Battle of Summit 1890 begin Ghost 1850s U.S. wars with Plains New Mexico: Union victory The War Department author­ forage are better. By mid- North Star. Springs decimates Dog Dance; over 200 Lakota killed tribes in Kansas. protects Colorado gold fields. izes a 100-day volunteer cav­ October about 130 tipis Soldiers. at Wounded Knee, S.D.; alry (Third Regiment). Col. are pitched there. The 700 event is considered end of 1858 Discovery of gold in 1863–64 Cheyenne/Arapaho, John Chivington is given com­ people are mostly Cheyenne, Indian Wars. Colorado. / raid in Colo­ mand of the military district. with a few Arapaho. rado, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Capt. ‘s condemnation of the attack was not his first act of moral courage. Son of a New England abolitionist, at 17 he was a con- In response to the growing conflict, territorial ductor on the Kansas underground railroad and governor John Evans called for volunteers (left), at 21 attempted to free two of John Brown’s promising them “plunder taken from the Indi- men after Brown was hanged. ans.” Black Kettle asked for a meeting “to make peace” (letter above). Their confer­ence At Sand Creek he barred his men from joining in Denver (right) was prelude to the attack. the massacre, later writing: “. . . I refused to DENVER SCENE: COLORADO HISTORICAL SOCIETY; fire and swore that none but a coward would.” POSTER: ALLPOSTERS; LETTER: , TUTT LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Soule testified against Colonel Chivington at the military inquiry in Denver. Serving there as COLORADO STATE ARCHIVES Provost five months after the massacre, the newly-married Soule was gunned down . . . to kill and destroy, as in the street. ANNE E. HEMPHILL COLLECTION, COURTESY BYRON STROM enemies of the country, wher­ever they may be found, all such hostile Indians. —1864 proclamation by Colorado Territory governor John Evans

Aftermath of the Massacre Cheyenne and Arapaho The effects of the attack reverberated for years, Kettle, gaining recruits to the warrior societies. unsuspecting men, women, and children . . . who events like Sand Creek, Washita, and Wounded today remember the profoundly unsettling the Cheyenne and Arapaho Across the plains, Cheyenne warriors declared all- had every reason to believe that they were under Knee would increasingly trouble citizens. Emphasis sufferings of their gradually shifted from military, economic, and cul- ancestors. people. Several bands and their cultural traditions out war. [U.S.] protection . . .” Despite this condemnation, no © SERLE CHAPMAN were essentially destroyed. Losses left many fami- one connected with the massacre was ever indicted tural subjugation of native peoples to their “assimi- lies without providers and children without par- Some Denver citizens cheered the returning soldiers, or tried in military or civilian court. lation” into American society in the 1900s. The goal ents. Thirteen Cheyenne chiefs and one Arapaho who displayed their human trophies on stage. But was to turn them into settled farmers and end loy- chief were killed along with any chances for peace, some were appalled at the killing and mutilations. The events at Sand Creek, while setting off a new alties to tribe and chief—“Kill the Indian; save the damaging the traditional governing council for The Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct round of conflict, eventually helped fuel a reap- man.” This attempt to end the Plains Indians’ way of generations. The treachery of the attack damaged of the War took testimony, finding that Chivington praisal of the treatment of Native Americans. The life would only partly succeed due to the resilience the credibility of remaining Peace Chiefs like Black had “surprised and murdered, in cold blood . . . glaring con­tradiction between America’s ideals and of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.

Sand Creek Today

Park hours are posted on the website: www.nps.gov/sand. Accessibility The park contact station and some paths are More Information To Please contact the park for updated seasonal hours, up­ accessible to wheelchairs. Service animals are welcome. Sand Creek Massacre SAND CREEK MASSACRE coming events, or to make an appointment in Historic Site NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE off-season. The park hosts special programs associated with the events 910 Wansted St. Authorized boundary 287 National Park Service land at Sand Creek and today’s Cheyenne and Arapaho. These Eads, CO 81036 W

For Your Safety The park is in an isolated area. Bring events, including annual Spiritual Healing Runs and other Site office: 719-729-3003 B i g water and appropriate outdoor clothing. Please stay on the activities, help to commemorate and memorialize the tragic Eads office: 719-438-5916 S Eads to a Sand Creek Massacre site n walking trail at all times. Caution large vehicles and motor­ history and legacy of the Sand Creek Massacre. Please check www.nps.gov/sand d 23.5 miles 54 y

Eads C

cyclists: Eight miles of dirt and sand roads lead to the site. the park website for dates and more information. 37.8 kilometers r

To e e To

Sand Creek Massacre is one of Ordway k Sheridan 96 Regulations All pets must be on a . Camping is not over 390 parks in the National­ Lake allowed at the site. See the park website for firearms Park System. To learn more about 287 Chivington regulations. America’s national parks, visit North Ferruginous hawk www.nps.gov. 0 5 Kilometers © steve metz ✩GPO:20xx—xxx-xxx/xxxxx Reprint 20xx To Lamar 0 5 Miles Printed on recycled paper.