Park Observes the 151st Anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre

Sand-Creek-Tipis-WEBThis year marks the 151st anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre. On the morning of November 29, 1864 U.S. Volunteer Colorado Cavalry attacked a village of peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians encamped along the Big Sandy Creek. Over 200 men, women and children were killed and many of their bodies mutilated. Known today as the Sand Creek Massacre, this dark chapter in the history of the United States will be commemorated in two free programs in Kiowa County on Sunday, November 29, 2015.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

Gates will open at 7 a.m. for visitors wishing to access the park shortly after sunrise. Beginning at 8 a.m. park staff will present an interpretive program about the Sand Creek Massacre at the Monument Hill Overlook. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly for this 40-minute program. Temperatures in November can range from the low 30’s to the low 50’s in the morning.

Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center, Eads

At 5 p.m., join Park Ranger Craig Moore for a 45-minute presentation entitled, “Coming Through the Fire.”  The program will chronicle the life and legacy of Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle.  Black Kettle’s attempts at peace, his narrow escape during the Sand Creek Massacre, and his death at the hands of Custer’s 7th Cavalry in 1868 will be discussed.

The Sand Creek Massacre is located in Kiowa County, Colorado. To visit the site, follow Colorado State Highway 96 east off Highway 287 near Eads, or west off Highway 385 at Sheridan Lake. Near Chivington, turn north onto County Road 54/Chief White Antelope Way or at Brandon, turn north onto County Road 59. Follow these roads to their intersections with County Road W. The park entrance is along County Road W one mile east of County Road 54 or several miles west of CR 59.

 Sand Creek Massacre NHS Switches to Winter Schedule

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site will change to its winter schedule beginning Tuesday, December 1, 2015.  The park will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. and closed on weekends.  This schedule will remain in effect through March 31, 2016.

The park will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Weekend guided tours of the park may be possible, if staffing permits. Contact the park Administrative Headquarters at (719) 438-5916. Please provide a minimum two week notice, when inquiring about visiting the park during winter weekends. Entrance to the Sand Creek Massacre NHS is free.

For additional information, please contact the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site at 719-438-5916 or 719-729-3003, or visit nps.gov/sand.

Courtsey Photo

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