List of battles fought in Colorado facts for kids
This article lists important armed conflicts that have happened in Colorado. These events took place within the area that is now the U.S. state of Colorado. For a long time, different countries controlled parts of this land. From 1535 to 1682, it was part of New Spain. Then it became part of New France until 1762, and then the Kingdom of Spain until 1800. After that, it was briefly part of the French First Republic before becoming part of the United States of America in 1803. Even then, its borders were sometimes argued over with Spain.
The southern part of Colorado was seen by Spain as its northern territory. Later, parts of Colorado were controlled by Mexico from 1800 to 1835, and by the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1846. The United States finally gained full control of Colorado on February 2, 1848. This happened when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, which ended the Mexican–American War.
As people moved west, the Plains Indian Wars greatly affected Colorado. Later, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Colorado became a place where workers and companies often clashed. This led to serious labor violence, known as the Coal Wars. These conflicts involved large armed fights between workers, private guards, and even state soldiers and police. They continued into the 1920s.
Conflicts with Native American Tribes
Many important battles and events in Colorado's history involved conflicts between the United States and various Native American tribes.
The Colorado War (1864-1865)
The Colorado War was a series of conflicts between the United States and the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota Sioux tribes.
Sand Creek Massacre (1864)
The Sand Creek Massacre happened on November 29, 1864, near what is now Eads. During this event, about 187 Cheyenne and Arapaho people were killed by the United States Army. Many of those killed were women, children, and elderly people. This event is remembered as a terrible tragedy in American history.
Battle of Julesburg (1865)
On January 7, 1865, the Battle of Julesburg took place near modern Julesburg. In this fight, 14 people died. It involved the United States Army and civilian volunteers fighting against Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota Sioux warriors.
American Ranch Massacre (1865)
The American Ranch massacre occurred on January 14, 1865, near what is now Sterling. About 10 people were killed in this conflict between the United States and Cheyenne and Sioux tribes.
Comanche Campaign (1868-1869)
The Comanche Campaign included battles that involved the United States against Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Lakota Sioux tribes.
Battle of Beecher Island (1868)
From September 17 to 19, 1868, the Battle of Beecher Island was fought in modern Yuma County. Around 41 people died in this battle between the United States and Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Lakota Sioux warriors.
Battle of Summit Springs (1869)
The Battle of Summit Springs happened on July 11, 1869, near modern Sterling. About 35 people were killed in this fight, which involved the United States against Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Sioux tribes.
Ute Wars (1879)
The Ute Wars involved conflicts with the Ute tribe in Colorado.
Meeker Massacre (1879)
The Meeker Massacre took place on September 29, 1879, at the White River Indian Agency, near modern Meeker. In this event, 11 United States civilians were killed by White River Ute people.
Battle of Milk Creek (1879)
Following the Meeker Massacre, the Battle of Milk Creek occurred from September 29 to October 25, 1879, also near modern Meeker. This battle was part of the White River War. Between 32 and 50 people died in this conflict between the White River Ute and the United States Army.
Labor Conflicts: The Coal Wars
In the early 20th century, Colorado experienced intense labor disputes, especially in the coal mining industry. These conflicts are known as the Coal Wars.
Colorado Coalfield War (1913-1914)
The Colorado Coalfield War was a major conflict between coal miners, who were often part of the United Mine Workers of America union, and the coal companies, their guards, and the Colorado National Guard.
Battle of Berwind Canyon (1913)
On October 24, 1913, the Battle of Berwind Canyon happened in Berwind. One person was killed in this fight. It involved the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency, and the Colorado National Guard against the United Mine Workers of America.
Ludlow Massacre (1914)
The Ludlow Massacre occurred on April 20, 1914, in Ludlow. This was a very tragic event where between 23 and 29 people died. It involved the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, the Colorado National Guard, and the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency fighting against the United Mine Workers of America. Many of the victims were women and children.
Battle of Walsenburg (1914)
The Battle of Walsenburg took place from April 28 to 29, 1914, in Walsenburg. At least 3 people died in this conflict between United Mine Workers of America-aligned strikers and the Colorado National Guard.
Battle of Forbes (1914)
On April 30, 1914, the Battle of Forbes happened in Forbes. More than 12 people died in this fight. It involved the United Mine Workers of America and other armed strikers against guards and strike breakers from the Rocky Mountain Fuel Company.
Columbine Mine Massacre (1927)
The Columbine Mine massacre occurred on November 21, 1927, in Serene. Six people were killed in this event. It involved the Rocky Mountain Fuel Company, the Colorado Mounted Rangers, and the Colorado National Guard against United Mine Workers of America-aligned strikers.
See also
- Plains Indians Wars
- Bibliography of Colorado
- Geography of Colorado
- History of Colorado
- Index of Colorado-related articles
- List of Colorado-related lists
- Outline of Colorado
