Black Kettle and the Sand Creek Massacre by the Santa Fe Trail

View of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (CO) [1]

In 1864, about 50 miles north of the historic Santa Fe Trail in Colorado, Black Kettle, a distinguished Cheyenne chief throughout the Civil War era, camped with a group of over 500 Native Americans on the banks of the Big Sandy Creek. Black Kettle had worked tirelessly towards peace between the United States government and Native American Nations throughout many tumultuous years. His plans for peace were ignored, however, when about 700 Colorado volunteer soldiers under the command of Colonel John Chivington attacked the peaceful camp on the morning of November 29. Many Native American men, women, and children were killed or wounded in this little known chapter of the Civil War. Black Kettle miraculously escaped with few injuries and showed great heroism as he risked his life to search the massacre site and rescue his wife, who survived nine separate wounds.   

Today the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is open for visitors April through November.  Walk the half-mile trail through the site’s hallowed grounds and read about its history on plaques situated throughout the park.  Honor those who lost their lives in this tragedy by participating in the Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run, organized by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe with the cooperation and support of additional tribes.  Held annually around the massacre's November 29 anniversary, many gather to run several hundred miles in commemoration of the massacre and to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for all people.  Journey to the sacred banks of the Big Sandy Creek in Colorado and find peaceful healing along the Santa Fe Trail.