Sand Creek Massacre

Jack Plott

October 28, 2014

US History

Sand Creek Massacre

Before and After the Sand Creek Massacre

The Sand Creek Massacre took place on November 29, 1864 in a small reservation near Fort Lyon in Colorado. The massacre of  the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians was in result of the mounting conflict between these two Native American groups and new settlers out West. The conflict itself was not even a true battle because of it’s one sided death toll and the fight put up by the Natives was not even a fight at all. The after effects showed why Natives no matter where they were put, were in constant conflict because in many American’s minds, had no reason to  be there.

Robert Lindneux depiction of the Sand Creek massacre

In the years leading up to The Sand Creek Massacre many Native Americans were finding conflict no matter where they went. In 1851, The Fort Laramie Treaty gave all the land North of the Arkansas River to the Nebraska Border to the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians. This did not last long though as conflict continued between these two groups and new settlers moving out West. As conflict continued the Treaty of Fort Wise was constructed, it said that a small 600 square-mile reservation in Colorado was now the Cheyenne and Arapahoe’s to live on. Like the Treaty of Fort Laramie, the Treaty of Fort Wise did not help either as conflict continued. Governor John Evans of Colorado tried to isolate the peaceful Indians to help ease the conflict by moving them near Fort Wise. The leader of the Cheyenne Black Kettle, agreed to have his people moved there. Black Kettle and his people needed a place to hunt near Fort Wise but did not have many choices. The commanding officer near Fort Wise told Black Kettle’s people to hunt near Sand Creek, thinking that there would be no conflict. They were also told to fly a white flag and a Union flag to show they were peaceful to anyone in the area.

Page from the Treaty of Fort Laramie

John Chivington was well known for his military success and his strategical works that helped him win many battles. most of them against Native Americans. Chivington was also known for his hatred of the Native Americans having been quoted many times showing his hatred through his words and his actions. The morning of November 29, 1864 was the end of the long night for Chivington and his men as there are many stories about what his men did that night but none have been proven true. That morning Chivington moved his men to the plains to find this group of Indians gathered near Sand Creek. Chivington and his men attacked the unexpecting Indians scattering them and murdering or wounding all of them. Most of the Native Americans present that morning were women and children with very few men and even less fighting men. The wounded were left there but later the Colorado volunteers returned to kill the wounded and burn the village. The Cheyenne and Arapahoe were mutilated, skinned and some beheaded. Chivington and his men showed no mercy against the defenseless Indians and made sure that all leaders of the Indians were murdered as well.

Another depiction of the Sand Creek Massacre by Howling Wolf

In the aftermath of the situation Chivington and his men were praised for their bravery and victory because many people did not know the true story. Many people believed that this was just another great victory for John Chivington but they did not know the true story. A few days after the Rocky Mountain News said, “Among the brilliant feats of arms in Indians warfare, the recent campaign of our Colorado volunteers will stand in history with few rivals.” The tide quickly changed course on Chivington and his men, as some witnesses brought forth the real story. Chivington, a budding politician and military leader, was charged with slaughtering peaceful and defenseless Native Americans. One witness said that Chivington was well aware that the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were peaceful and friendly and also included that it was a surprise attack. Chivington retired from the military and aborted his political career.

Sand Creek location in Colorado

The effect of the Sand Creek Massacre was largely in favor of the Native Americans but not for long. The Natives still out West were still the center of conflict and gained no benefits from events such as the Sand Creek Massacre. Soldiers and settlers continued to see them as targets that were occupying land for Americans moving West.

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        Wolf, Howling. At the Sand Creek Massacre. 1874-1875. Pen, ink, and watercolor on ledger paper. Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College.

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