“The legacy of Sand Creek surrounds American society even as sites like the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site seek to heal the wounds of the massacre.” NPS Website
CBS DENVER reports Colorado’s 14th highest peak and home to the highest road in North America may have a name change in the near future because of its current name’s association with one of our nation’s darkest moments, the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864.
John Evans was the governor of the territory (not state yet) when Colorado volunteers soldiers and U.S. Calvary attacked a riverside encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians. They attacked in the early morning and went straight through truce flags flown by Chief Left Hand (a.k.a. Chief Niwot) and Chief Black Kettle. Nearly half of those killed were women and children, many as they fled.
“The incident created a feeling of indignation so strong in the East that it prompted a congressional investigation. As a result, Dr. John Evans lost his federal appointment as governor. … In addition, Colorado’s statehood was delayed.”
Yet despite the loss of his federal appointment, his name remains on the Colorado peak which was was officially named in 1895 but a Denver elementary school teacher filed paperwork back in June asking the U.S. Board On Geographic Names to consider renaming the peak to Mount Cheyenne Arapaho.
“We hope to respond to their request before the end of the year.” Denver Parks and Rec spokesperson Cynthia Karvaski
We will update this story when decisions are made: