Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site |
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The site, July 1985
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 Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Location in Colorado
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kiowa County, Colorado, United States |
| Nearest city | Eads, CO |
| Area | 12,583 acres (5,092 ha) |
| Established | April 27, 2007 |
| Visitors | 5,701 (in 2019) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site |
The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is a special place in Kiowa County, Colorado. It's near the towns of Eads and Chivington. This site remembers a very sad event called the Sand Creek Massacre that happened here on November 29, 1864.
The site helps us learn about this important part of American history. It also honors the Cheyenne and Arapaho people and the families of those who were affected. The site is about 170 miles (274 km) southeast of Denver. It has some basic facilities for visitors.
Contents
What Happened at Sand Creek?
The Sand Creek Massacre was a terrible event in American history. On November 29, 1864, a group of U.S. volunteer soldiers attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people. Many innocent men, women, and children were killed. This event was a great tragedy and is still remembered today for its impact on Native American communities.
Finding the Historic Site
For many years, people weren't sure exactly where the massacre happened. But in 1999, a team of experts started looking for the site. These teams included archaeologists from the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Native American observers also joined them.
Discovering Important Clues
During their search, the teams found many old items. They discovered bullets from the time period, camping gear, and other objects. These discoveries helped them confirm they had found the correct location of the massacre.
Protecting the Land
After the site was found, the land was transferred. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes now own the title to the site. The National Park Service helps manage and protect it.
Visiting the Site
The National Park Service offers special programs at the site. Park Rangers lead these programs, and they are free to join. You can visit from 9 AM to 4 PM, from April 1 to December 1. If you want to visit in the winter, you can make an appointment.
How the Site Was Created
The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was officially approved on November 7, 2000. This law was passed to remember the importance of the massacre in American history. It also recognized its ongoing meaning for the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.
The law allowed the National Park Service to buy land from willing sellers. This land would help preserve and explain the history of the massacre. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 2001.
Official Opening
On August 2, 2005, President George W. Bush gave the final approval for the site. It officially became America's 391st national park unit on April 27, 2007. A special ceremony was held on April 28, 2007, to dedicate the site.
Size and Features of the Site
Today, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site covers about 12,583 acres (50.9 square kilometers). A large part of this land is owned by the federal government. The American Battlefield Trust and its partners also helped protect 640 acres of the site.
What Visitors Can See
The site has a small visitor center where you can learn more. There are also signs and plaques that explain the history. Monuments are located on a hilltop, offering a view of the massacre site. Visitors can also walk on two trails.
It's important to know that the exact massacre site itself is not open to visitors. This helps protect the sacred ground.
