Management

NPS Director Mary Bomar speaks at the 2007 dedication of the park.

NPS/R. Wallner

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was authorized by Congress on Nov. 7, 2000, to recognize the importance of the Sand Creek Massacre as "a nationally significant element of frontier military and Native American history; and a symbol of the struggles of Native American tribes to maintain their way of life on ancestral land."

Park Purpose

The purpose of Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is to protect and preserve the landscape of the massacre site and interpret the associated cultural values to enhance public understanding of the massacre and assist in minimizing the chances of similar incidents in the future.

Management

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is part of the High Plains Group of parks in southeast Colorado and northeast New Mexico, sharing some staff and administrative offices with Amache National Historic Site, Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, and Capulin Volcano National Monument. The High Plains Group headquarters is located at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, near La Junta, Colorado.

Laws & Policies

Learn more about applicable laws and policies used to preserve and protect the park.

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium lists the special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent.

Guidance Documents

In 2017, the park developed a Foundation Document to communicate a shared understanding of the park's purpose, significance, resources and values. This document can serve as a foundation for future planning and management decisions.