National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic SiteSand Creek Massacre NHS, credit David Zettner
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Places
 
Legislation to establish a Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site began in 1998 with passage of Public Law 105-243, sponsored by Colorado Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. This bill is known as the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Study Act.
 
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork
Tom Meier
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork.

A Site Location Study mandated that the National Park Service determine the location and extent of the Sand Creek Massacre. In 1999, a Sand Creek Massacre Project Team, and other researchers, began to piece together answers. Oral history, remote imagery, historical documentation, archeology, aerial photography and other methods were used. The Sand Creek Massacre Project Team, along with other research, was able to identify several areas along Sand Creek where the activities of November 29 and 30, 1864 likely took place.

 
After completion of the Site Location Study, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was officially authorized on November 7, 2000.
 
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork
Tom Meier
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork.
As a running engagement, the Sand Creek Massacre continued up Sand Creek and across its valley onto the surrounding plains and bluffs - this area, about 7,500 acres, stretches for a number of miles. Though debate continues regarding the specific location of internal features, most researchers agree that the core area of the site (listed with The National Register of Historic Places), contains the location of the Indian village; the point(s) from which the Colorado regiments first spotted the encampment; the location of Indian pony herds; the general path of battalion advancements, skirmishing, and other collateral action; the military bivouac area of November 29-30; spots in the stream and along its banks where the Cheyenne dug pits from which to hide and fight; and the points from which battery salvoes were launched into the camp and later into the pits.
 
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork
Tom Meier
Members of the 1999 Sand Creek Massacre Project Team doing archeological fieldwork

On August 2, 2005 the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site moved a step closer to its establishment with the passage of P.L. 109-45, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act.

In 2007, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was established as a National Park Service unit.

sagebrush country, photo by Rich Walter  

Did You Know?
Fossil Butte National Monument is one of a few areas in southwestern Wyoming that is not grazed by cattle and sheep.

Last Updated: August 17, 2008 at 20:21 EST