Changing the Course of History
Established in 2007, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site sheds light on a chaotic, horrific, tumultuous, and bloody moment in American history and its enduring legacy.
On November 29, 1864, Colonel John M. Chivington led 675 U.S. volunteer soldiers to a Chiefs’ village of about 750 Cheyenne and Arapaho people camped along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado territory.
Although the Cheyenne and Arapaho--under Chiefs Black Kettle, White Antelope, Left Hand and others--believed they were under the protection of the U.S. Army on their assigned ratified treaty lands, Chivington's troops attacked and killed about 230 people, composed mostly of women, children, and the elderly.
Learn More About the Massacre
Treaty & Occupation
As Native Americans were promised much of the Great Plains in exchange for safe passage of emigrants, the US government continued to enact policies to benefit and protect westward expansion by settlers and railroads.
Military Buildup & The Massacre
At dawn on November 29, 1864, approximately 675 U.S. volunteer soldiers attacked a village of about 750 peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho at Sand Creek. As noncombatants ran through the sand pits troops followed, committing atrocities and killing elders, women, and children.
Aftermath & Looking Forward
Land and livelihood continued to be taken under the guise of westward expansion. Massacres continued to follow the Indians. History and the truth of what happened were redefined.
Every square foot of land in the Americas acquired by European nations and the United States once belonged to American Indians.
