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 southeastern Colorado. It involved the U.S. Army’s 3rd Cavalry Regiment, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacking a Cheyenne and Arapaho camp. 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 increasing tensions between Native American tribes and white settlers in the region. The discovery of gold in Colorado in the 1850s led to a massive influx of settlers, which put pressure on the land and resources. Native Americans, who had lived in the area for centuries, were forced to cede their lands and move to reservations. This displacement, combined with the settlers’ desire for land and resources, created a volatile situation.
The Attack on Sand Creek
On the morning of November 29, 1864, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, numbering around 700 men, approached the Cheyenne and Arapaho camp at Sand Creek. Despite the presence of a peace commission that had been sent to negotiate with the tribes, Chivington ordered his troops to attack. The soldiers, many of whom were drunk, engaged in a brutal and unprovoked assault on the camp.
The Aftermath
After the attack, the soldiers burned the camp and killed any Native Americans they found. Many of the victims were women, children, and the elderly, who were unable to defend themselves. The soldiers also mutilated the bodies of the dead, taking scalps and other body parts as trophies. The massacre shocked the nation and led to widespread outrage.
Investigation and Aftermath
Following the massacre, an investigation was launched, and Chivington was court-martialed. However, the trial was marred by bias and political pressure, and Chivington was acquitted. The incident also led to the resignation of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Despite the public outcry, the massacre had a lasting impact on Native American relations with the U.S. government.
Legacy of the Sand Creek Massacre
The Sand Creek Massacre remains a dark chapter in American history, symbolizing the brutal treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government and its military. The event has been remembered and commemorated by Native American tribes and activists, who continue to fight for justice and recognition of the victims. In 2007, President George W. Bush issued a formal apology for the massacre, acknowledging the pain and suffering it caused.
| Year | Number of Native Americans Killed | Number of Soldiers Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1864 | Approximately 150 | Approximately 700 |
The Sand Creek Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of settler colonialism and the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and recognition. It is a story that continues to resonate today, as Native American tribes and their allies work to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just future.