Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site 

Contact Information:
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
P.O. Box 249
Eads, CO 81036
828-693-4178
http://www.nps.gov/sand/

Size: The National Park Service has acquired 920 acres within the authorized boundary, while the remainder of the land is under private and state ownership. 

Location: Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is located along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado.

Description: On November 29, 1864, Colonel John M. Chivington led approximately 700 U.S. volunteer soldiers to a village of about 500 Cheyenne and Arapaho people camped along the banks of Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado. Although the Cheyenne and Arapaho people believed they were under the protection of the U.S. Army, Chivington's troops attacked and killed about 150 people, mainly women, children, and the elderly. Ultimately, the massacre was condemned following three federal investigations.

History: Authorized on November 7, 2000, but will not be established until the NPS acquires enough land to provide for the preservation, commemoration, and interpretation of the Sand Creek Massacre. The NPS is working in partnership with The Conservation Fund, the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, and the State of Colorado towards establishment of the site. 

See other National Historic Sites
See other Colorado National Parks