The Sand Creek Massacre, which occurred on November 29, 1864, involved a surprise attack by Colorado U.S. Volunteer Cavalry on a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes near Fort Lyon in Colorado Territory. The attack resulted in the brutal killing of around 150 Native American men, women, and children, despite the fact that many of them had been assured safety by U.S. authorities.
The U.S. government's response to the Sand Creek Massacre evolved over time:
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Initial Reaction: For a period following the massacre, there was a lack of immediate accountability or action against the perpetrators. Many in the government and military initially praised the attack as a military success in the ongoing conflict with Native Americans.
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Public Outcry: However, as news of the massacre spread, it led to significant public outrage. Newspapers of the time, including some that had previously supported the military's actions, began to condemn the brutal nature of the attack. This outrage was fueled by reports from survivors and witnesses.
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Investigations: In response to the growing criticism, the U.S. Congress held hearings in 1865 to investigate the events surrounding the massacre. These hearings revealed the shocking nature of the attack and the extent of the violence inflicted upon non-combatants.
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Military and Political Consequences: The investigation led to changes in military policy regarding interactions with Native American tribes. Some military officers were held accountable or faced congressional investigations, although no one was prosecuted for the massacre itself. Colonel John Chivington, who led the attack, faced significant criticism, but he was never punished for his actions.
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Long-Term Effects: The Sand Creek Massacre had lasting implications for U.S. policy towards Native Americans. It highlighted the need for a reevaluation of American Indian policy and ultimately contributed to a shift in how the U.S. government approached negotiations and conflicts with Native American tribes. The massacre became a key event in the larger narrative of the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans, symbolizing the brutality of westward expansion and the conflicts that accompanied it.
Overall, the U.S. government's response to the Sand Creek Massacre demonstrated a complicated blend of initial military approval followed by public condemnation and calls for accountability, ultimately shaping future policies regarding Native American relations.