Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is situated in the fascinating Kiowa County and it is considered as one of the Colorado’s national historic sites. It is near to Chivington and Eads, Colorado. This historic site is meant for the victims and heroes of the Sand Creek Massacre during the year 1864.
In the year 1999, the archaeological teams of the Colorado Historical Society, National Park Service and even some native Americans were able to discover what they deemed were remains of the Sand Creek Massacre site. From the site, they were able to discover some camping equipment of the earlier years and several vintage bullets. Later on, it proved that these archaeological teams dug the actual site of the massacre.
Last November 2000, the Sand Creek Massacre site was reportedly authorized by the 106-465 public law to be become a historical site. It indicates that the massacre site can be if there is sufficient land acquired from property owners in the area. These owners should be willing to sell their property to the NPS so that it can be preserved to commemorate and actually interpret the Sand Creek Massacre. When the Massacre site got listed in the US’ National Register of Historical Places last September 2001, it was President George Bush who gave his final approval for the massacre site last 2005.
At present, the National Park Services provides ranger who led the activities and programs without charge, but there is a strict schedule to follow. This historical park operates from 9:00 AM up to 4:00 PM and opens from April 1 up to December 1 annually. For the winter season, an advance appointment is needed to be able to get a schedule.
They do not allow camping in the site but they have an 8/10-mile walking trail that would start from the site’s public area up to its monument marker. You will also find lots of interpretative markers along their walking trail. Site visitors are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing and to bring lots of water because the Sand Creek Historical site is a very isolated area. If pets will be brought, it is advised that they should have a leash. Plus, visitors are requested to remain on the site’s walking trail all the time. Although there is no entrance fee for the Sand Creek Massacre Historical Site, they accept donations. The park first opened to the public last June 1, 2007.
To commemorate the tragedy that happened last 1864,there was a healing run last November 2004. This event was called the “6th Annual Sand Creek Spiritual Healing Run” that was organized by the descendants of Northern Cheyenne in Montana. The logo stated, “The Liberation of our Elders”. This is also because it was the 140th anniversary of the massacre. Main purpose for this healing run is to call the attention of concerned individuals for the repatriation and liberation of the Sand Creek Massacre’s victims, especially with regards to their human remains.
As narrated in historical books about the Sand Creek Massacre, the tragedy took place last November 29, 1864 at Colorado’s southeastern area and within the acclaimed Big Sandy Creek, near the current Eads town. It was indicated that Colonel John M. Chivington commanded his federal troops to attack a peaceful encampment. This encampment was under Chief Black Kettle of Cheyenne’s jurisdiction. The US government duly authorized Chief Black Kettle of Cheyenne who protected his people by raising the US Flag along with a white flag for truce. Even so, Colonel Chivington’s men continued to slaughter the helpless Indians. In fact, Colonel Chivington’s men were able to kill about 150 Indians, both from the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes. Children, women and even the elderly were not spared. Aside from this, Colonel Chivington’s men also plundered Chief Black Kettle’s camp and desecrated even the dead Indians.
After this, when Colonel Chivington’s troops returned, they paraded some body parts of the children, women and elderly Indians they had killed. Amidst this gruesome parade, they were even regarded as heroes by the people of Denver. According to Cheyenne and in US history, the Sand Creek Massacre is one of the darkest episodes.
Furthermore, it is only recently that the Cheyenne descendants were able to find some healing. There are efforts currently made in order to commemorate and honor the helpless victims of the massacre. The attempts and efforts so far are as follows:
- Gathering, researching and archiving of Cheyenne’s history about the Sand Creek Massacre.
- Repatriation of artifacts and human remains taken during and right after the massacre that are still held in museums.
- Preserving and protecting the site of the tragic massacre through the federal legislation Act for the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site made last November 7, 2000.
Assisting Colorado in re-interpreting the monument for the Civil war at their State Capitol. This is done so as to affirm that the event that happened in Sand Creek was apparently not a so-called “battle” but an actual “massacre” of hundreds of innocent women, men and children.