Sand Creek

In 1864 the Colorado Territory is bitterly divided between the indigenous Cheyenne who are desperately trying to hold onto their way of life, and the power players in Denver who want to capitalize on the gold rush by selling the land that had been promised to the Cheyenne. When he is mocked for his attempts to find a peaceful solution to the war with the Cheyenne, Governor John Evans issues a proclamation that effectively puts a bounty on the head of every Indian in the territory. Understanding the significance of the proclamation, Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle convinces his people that the only way for them to survive is to seek peace with the whites. Major Ned Wynkoop has spent his military career unquestioningly following orders to shoot any Indian on sight, but when Black Kettle offers to return captive children for the opportunity to discuss peace, Wynkoop is torn between his duty and his conscience. By accepting Black Kettle’s terms, Wynkoop becomes a traitor in the eyes of his commanding officer, Colonel John Chivington, who wants a permanent solution to the Indian problem, not a peaceful one. Evans and Chivington promise Black Kettle peace if his people surrender to Wynkoop. Once the Cheyenne agree to the terms of the surrender and turn over all their weapons, Wynkoop is immediately relieved of command. As soon as he is removed from the equation, Chivington marches his calvary on the peaceful Cheyenne village at Sand Creek and slaughters more than 300 people – mostly women, children, and elderly – in one of the most horrific massacres in U.S. history.