what happened at sand creek,What Happened at Sand Creek?


What Happened at Sand Creek?

The Sand Creek Massacre, also known as the Chivington Massacre, was a tragic event that unfolded on November 29, 1864, in Colorado Territory. This article delves into the details of what transpired, the aftermath, and the lasting impact it had on American history.

The Context of the Sand Creek Massacre

At the time of the Sand Creek Massacre, the United States was in the midst of the Civil War. The conflict had ended in 1865, but tensions between the federal government and Native American tribes remained high. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, in particular, were living in the region known as the Southern Plains, which included present-day Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

The federal government had established a series of reservations for Native Americans, but many tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho, refused to be confined to these areas. They continued to roam the plains, often in conflict with settlers and soldiers who wanted to claim the land for themselves.

The Incident at Sand Creek

On November 29, 1864, a detachment of the Colorado militia, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacked a Cheyenne and Arapaho camp at Sand Creek. The camp was located in southeastern Colorado, near the present-day town of Yoder.

According to some accounts, the Cheyenne and Arapaho were peaceful and had no intention of fighting. However, Chivington and his men believed that the camp was a haven for hostile warriors and that the Native Americans were planning to attack settlements in Colorado.

The attack was brutal and unprovoked. Soldiers set fire to the camp, killing men, women, and children alike. Estimates of the number of casualties vary, but it is believed that at least 150 Native Americans were killed, including women and children.

The Aftermath

The Sand Creek Massacre was one of the darkest chapters in American history. The event shocked the nation and led to widespread outrage. Many newspapers and citizens demanded an investigation into the incident.

Colonel Chivington was initially hailed as a hero, but public opinion quickly turned against him. In 1865, a military commission was convened to investigate the massacre. Chivington was found guilty of misconduct and was stripped of his rank and pension.

However, the punishment was lenient, and Chivington’s reputation was never fully tarnished. He went on to have a successful career in politics and business.

The Legacy of Sand Creek

The Sand Creek Massacre had a profound and lasting impact on Native American relations with the United States. It was a turning point in the treatment of Native Americans by the federal government and the American public.

The event led to increased tensions between Native American tribes and the federal government, which resulted in more violence and conflict. It also contributed to the erosion of trust between Native Americans and the United States, a trust that has yet to be fully restored.

The Sand Creek Massacre is often remembered as a symbol of the injustices faced by Native Americans throughout American history. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of land disputes and the struggle for sovereignty.

Date Location Number of Casualties Leader
November 29, 1864 Sand Creek, Colorado At least 150 Colonel John Chivington

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