Wayside: Cheyenne and Arapaho Village at Sand Creek

An interpretive sign on the hill overlooking the Big Sandy Creek

NPS Photo - Teri Jobe

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

A Camp at Sand Creek

Along the northern edge of the Pónoeo ‘hé’e (Dry River) or Sand Creek, sit about 156 lodges or tipis, with hoóxé’e or tipi poles rising into the sky. Traditionally positioned with
their entrances open toward the east, the tipis form a crescent, with each tribal family occupying traditional spots within it. The individual tribal camps which made up the village were scattered over an area of around 1.5 square miles. 

This Cheyenne and Arapaho village was a temporary home to about 750 people. Some camps had 10 or 15 people, others more than 50. Most here were Heéváhetane (Southern
Cheyenne), while others referred to themselves as kindred, but separate bands. 

Scattered nearby were herds of horses, perhaps 1,400 or more, creatures that enabled these plains people to excel as hunters, warriors, travelers, and traders. Horses were the lifeblood of this community. These animals were the first target of the soldiers during their attack on the village – leaving most of the inhabitants foot-bound and at the mercy of the pursuers. Sand Creek temporarily became the center of the universe – here the course of history and the identity of the Tsétsėhéståhese (Cheyenne) and Hinóno’éí-no’ (Arapaho) was changed forever.