1. The Sand Creek Massacre

2. Problems for the Tribes
The trails to the CO gold fields ran straight through KS and the lands belonging to the Cheyenne and Arapaho living here.
They hunted along the Arkansas River, that stretched from central KS into CO.
Some tribal leaders wanted peace, others wanted nothing to do with the Americans.
The problem of whites moving onto/through native lands had to be addressed!

3. The chiefs go to D.C.
Cheyenne chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope go to Washington D.C.
Working for peace
President Lincoln gives BK an American Flag
Lincoln gives WA a peace medal
Chief White Antelope
Chief Black Kettle

4. Meeting with the Coloradans
Black Kettle and others meet with the Governor of CO and the volunteer regiment commander.
The Indian leaders leave the meeting believing all is well.
BK and his tribe set up camp near Ft. Lyon, CO:
Raise the US flag Lincoln gave him
Raise a white flag to show they are peaceful

5. The Massacre
Col. Chivington wants to remove all Indian tribes, whether they cooperate with the govt. or not.
He betrays Black Kettle and brings his men to slaughter the Native Americans.
men, women, and children are killed by Chivington and his men.

6. Effects White Antelope dies wearing the peace medal Lincoln gave him.
Black Kettle and his wife survive; she was shot in the back 9 times.
Soldiers return to Denver, showing off the items they stole from the Indians.
The massacre adds to the distrust different tribes will have for Americans & the US govt.
Chivington faces no real consequences.

7. After the fighting…
Col. Chivington is later interrogated by US Military officials.
He stands by his decision to carry out this attack and defends the actions of his soldiers, explaining he saw no children or elderly among the dead.
The CO soldiers told of numerous dug out rifle shelters; the Indians had fortified their positions along a nearby river.
Some credit the soldiers of valiant efforts, others will denounce their actions and call them murderers.