Wayside: Why a 33 Star Flag

A flag that was meant to be a symbol of peace.

NPS Photo - Teri Jobe

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The flag before you represents the flag that flew from Chief Black Kettle’s lodge on the morning of November 29, 1864, when his encampment of friendly Cheyenne and Arapaho was brutally attacked by the Colorado Volunteer Cavalry. The 33-stars represent the extent of the young United States in the year 1860, the same year Chief Black Kettle received his flag as a token of peace from the United States.

Black Kettle was told the flag would provide protection for the peaceful village, sending a clear sign to all that the Cheyenne and Arapaho people were friends to the United States, but his belief in the power of the flag proved short lived - the soldiers attacked the village at dawn, indiscriminately killing men, women and children. 

“As I ran by Black Kettle’s lodge [at Sand Creek] he had a flag tied to lodgeple and was holding it...”
Little Bear, April 14, 1906

“Black Kettle ran...American flag up to the top of his lodge [at Sand Creek]...as he had been advised to do in case he should meet with any troops out on the prairies.”
John Smith, sworn testimony, 1865

“I looked towards Black Kettle’s lodge and he had a flag on lodgepole in front of his lodge.”
George Bent, March 15, 1905