John M. Chivington
Quick Summary
John M. Chivington was a U.S. Army colonel who led a controversial surprise attack on a camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho people on November 29, 1864. This event, known as the Sand Creek Massacre, involved approximately 675 U.S. troops, primarily Colorado volunteers, under Chivington's command.1
The camp, located along Sand Creek near Fort Lyon, housed about 750 Cheyenne and Arapaho individuals, including many women, children, and elderly people. Despite flying a white flag of truce, the Native Americans were attacked. The massacre resulted in the deaths of over 230 people, including 13 Cheyenne chiefs and one Arapaho chief.1
Initially hailed as a victory, Chivington was later discredited when the nature of the attack became clear. The Sand Creek Massacre significantly contributed to the subsequent Arapaho-Cheyenne war and had a lasting impact on the Plains Wars of the following decade.1
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Sand Creek MassacreJohn M. Chivington.
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Plains WarsThe Civil War on the PlainsJohn M. Chivington then determined to take matters into his own hands, reportedly hoping that a victory over the Indians would jump-start his political career. Camped near Sand Creek, Colorado Territory, were about 500 Cheyenne and Arapaho followers of Black Kettle, who was known to…
Read MoreJohn M. Chivington then determined to take matters into his own hands, reportedly hoping that a victory over the Indians would jump-start his political career. Camped near Sand Creek, Colorado Territory, were about 500 Cheyenne and Arapaho followers of Black Kettle, who was known to…
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