Background of the Sand Creek Massacre
The Sand Creek Massacre, also known as the Chivington Massacre, was a tragic event that occurred on November 29, 1864, in Colorado Territory. It involved the U.S. Army’s 3rd Cavalry Regiment, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacking a Cheyenne and Arapaho village. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 Native Americans, mostly women, children, and the elderly.
Causes of the Massacre
The roots of the Sand Creek Massacre can be traced back to the complex relationship between Native Americans and white settlers in the region. As gold was discovered in Colorado, a massive influx of white settlers moved into the territory, leading to increased tensions with the local Native American tribes. The U.S. government, under the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln, had promised to protect Native American lands, but these promises were often ignored or broken.
| Year | Number of White Settlers in Colorado | Number of Native Americans in Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 1859 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| 1860 | 20,000 | 25,000 |
| 1864 | 50,000 | 15,000 |
These numbers illustrate the rapid expansion of white settlements and the subsequent decrease in Native American populations. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who had been living in the region for centuries, were forced to cede their lands and move to reservations. However, many tribes refused to comply, leading to conflicts and violence.
The Attack on Sand Creek
On November 29, 1864, Colonel Chivington led his troops to the Cheyenne and Arapaho village at Sand Creek. Despite having been assured by Native American leaders that the village was peaceful, the soldiers attacked without warning. The soldiers, many of whom were drunk, engaged in a brutal and unprovoked assault.
According to survivors, the soldiers shot at women and children, bayoneted the wounded, and burned the village to the ground. The attack lasted for several hours, and when it was over, approximately 150 Native Americans lay dead. Many of the victims were buried in mass graves, and their remains were later exhumed and reburied in a more respectful manner.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Sand Creek Massacre was one of the most infamous events in American history. It sparked widespread outrage and led to calls for justice. In 1865, a military commission was convened to investigate the incident, but the commission’s findings were inconclusive, and no one was held accountable for the massacre.
Despite the lack of justice, the Sand Creek Massacre left a lasting impact on the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government. It highlighted the broken promises and the violence that characterized the treatment of Native Americans during the late 19th century. The event also served as a catalyst for the formation of Native American activism and the fight for Native American rights.
Today, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site commemorates the event and educates visitors about its significance. The site includes the original site of the village, a visitor center, and a museum that showcases the history of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and the events surrounding the massacre.
