Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
By 1864, a combination of cultural demands on the Plains environment and natural factors caused food and fuel to become increasingly scarce. Traditional campsites used by the Cheyenne and Arapaho along rivers and streams were unable to support winter encampments. In the fall of 1864, Black Kettle, White Antelope and other Cheyenne Chiefs established a winter campsite near the south bend of Big Sandy Creek. Well over a hundred tipis dotted the valley while hundreds of horses grazed nearby.
Earlier that fall, a large group of Arapaho, as well as some Cheyenne, had camped near Fort Lyon. The Fort Lyon reserve also was the site of the Upper Arkansas Indian Agency. In November, after a change in orders as well as a change in commanders at Fort Lyon, the tribes were prohibited from camping near the fort. Nearly all Cheyenne, as well as a small camp of the Arapaho moved to Sand Creek. On November 29, 1864, 675 Colorado volunteer soldiers attacked this encampment of approximately 750 people.
During the attack, Indians took shelter in the high banks along Sand Creek. As they fled, many were killed and wounded by artillery fire. Well over half of the 230 dead were women and children. Survivors of the attack fled to the north, hoping to reach a larger band of Cheyenne. The massacre profoundly influenced US-Indian relations and the structure of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was established in 2007 to preserve and protect the cultural landscape of the massacre, enhance public understanding, and minimize similar incidents in the future. For information on how human interaction with natural surroundings contributed to cultural changes that eventually led to the Sand Creek Massacre, see the environmental history.
Plan Your Visit
Directions 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 CR W a mile east (right) of CR 54 or several miles west (left) of CR 59.
Hours of Operation
- Sunday and Monday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Fees and Passes This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.
Visitor Center The Contact Station is located at the historic site, which is eight miles north of the town of Chivington. It provides education and orientation materials and has a sales outlet for educational merchandise. The Contact Station maintains the same hours as the park. NOTE: Bookstore sales end at 3:30 pm.
- Sunday and Monday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday-Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Things to Do
Get to know the stories and landscapes of the Sand Creek Massacre in a meaningful way. Join a ranger for a talk or connect with the land itself on the two trails that invite you to explore this sacred place year-round. Each step on these trails offers a chance to feel the natural beauty and profound history that make the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site so special.
Get Involved
Donate Through our Philanthropic Partner Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site has always relied upon the generosity of visitors with contributions made through the mail and through the donation boxe located at the Contact Station.
Donations made to the park have contributed to park preservation and rehabilitation projects, educational programming for audiences of all ages, and the expansion of interpretive services. The generosity and kindness of our visitors made these initiatives possible, and we wish to thank everyone for their donations to the park and our partners for their support.
Volunteer Share your time and make a big difference at your local National Park Service site as a Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP).
VIP’s highlight the best of our community and welcome visitors from around the country to Kiowa County and to this special and historic location. With a number of volunteer positions and opportunities available you can pick the one that best fits your talents and availability.
Learn About Our Partners National Parks are sustained by partnerships of all kinds, and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is no exception. From its earliest beginnings, the park has been aided and enriched by many different organizations, and even other parks. These organizations have helped Sand Creek Massacre NHS to fulfill its mission of educating others about this tragic event in American history. Oral histories, historic documents, and collaboration on projects are just a small part of how these partnerships contribute to the park mission. Below are links to the websites of some of the partner organizations that actively collaborate with the park.