What Happened at Sand Creek An investigation into U.S. Native American relations by Eric Griffith

The Facts One day in November of 1864, a Indian encampment on the banks of a small creek was destroyed. A congressional hearing was held to uncover the truth. The commander of the battalion that attacked the camp was led by colonel Chivington with the acceptance of the Colorado territorial governor Two letters were sent from a pair of dissident soldiers in the 1st infantry division

The players John M. Chivington Black Kettle Silas Soule Edward Wynkoop Left Hand John S. Smith Little Raven

Silas Soule Sent a letter to Edward Wynkoop detailing atrocities that had been committed by the soldiers

Colonel Chivington Respected war veteran Local Methodist minister Accused mass murderer

John S. Smith Witness of the “incident” Local Soldier Witness in the congressional hearing

The Massacre The soldiers attacked early in the morning “With knives; scalped; their brains knocked out; children two or three months old; all ages lying there, from sucking infants up to warriors.”

The Congressional findings Colonel Chivington was dishonorably discharged The Territorial governor was dismissed There is now a plaque condemning the murderous slaughter that took place in Sand Creek

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