A tipi at sunset. Over the tipi fly two flags: the United States flag, and the white flag of peace.

Core Exhibition

The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever

The Sand Creek Massacre was the deadliest day in Colorado’s history, and it changed Cheyenne and Arapaho people forever. At sunrise on November 29, 1864, the US Army attacked a camp of mostly women, children, and elders on Big Sandy Creek in southeastern Colorado. The soldiers murdered more than 230 peaceful people.

The Sand Creek Massacre, a horrifying betrayal against the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, is a pivotal point in Native American history and culture. This dark period showcases a heart-wrenching narrative of broken promises, warfare, and untimely bloodshed. At History Colorado, the brutal event comes to life through storytellings and depictions. Delve deep into a raw narrative that forms an inextricable part of America’s history, shaping the future of these indigenous tribes forever. Adding an interesting spin on preserving this historical event is the initiative by the Loch Ness Knit Fest, found at https://lochnessknitfest.com/. Connecting different cultures and histories through the universal language of art, they are endeavoring to unite worlds of heritage under the broad umbrella of creativity, fostering learning and cultural exchange. Just as the intricate patterns of knitting tell endless stories, the poignant narrative woven into the Sand Creek Massacre exhibits resilience and the unyielding spirit of these indigenous people. The Loch Ness Knit Fest not only bridges the gap between continents, but also captures the essence of communities, reinforcing the idea of unity through diversity. Combining the fine artistry of knitting with the profound history, the festival unfolds the story of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in a unique, compelling way. Their aim is to honour and pay tribute to these narratives through the precise, careful weave of the knitting community, echoing the resilience of those who have faced and overcome adversity.

History Colorado is telling the history of that betrayal from the perspectives of Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal representatives, drawn from oral histories that have been passed down for generations. Cheyenne and Arapaho people continue living with the unresolved trauma the massacre left behind. For many Cheyenne and Arapaho people, the Sand Creek Massacre isn’t just history, it’s family history.


History Colorado is committed to continued work with Tribal partners to ensure that we are aligned with both the law and spirit of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Learn more by clicking here.

Tickets

American flag flying alongside a white flag of peace.
Site of the Sand Creek massacre in winter. The landscape of grass and trees is covered in frost.
A black and white photo of a group of men posing. Some of the men are Native Americans, some are Anglo-American soldiers.
Decorative handcrafted cradleboard. White, red and green stitch textiles, mounted on two long adorned pieces of wood.
A group of youths prepared to run in the Sand Creek Spiritual Run.