History » The Massacre at Sand Creek
September 8, 2010
The Massacre at Sand Creek – This painting depicts the anticipation of things to come before the attack begins. The sun is just rising and the camp fires are cold. Shock and frustration are evident. The elderly chief in the foreground is White Antelope, who after realizing the futility of stopping this outrage, decides to fold his arms and chant, “It’s a good day to die.” He is killed along with many women and children. Chief Black Kettle tried to raise the American flag and a flag of truce, but to no avail. This day of infamy started off the famous Indian wars along the South Platte River from Julesburg to Denver.