Study Questions 

1. Find out some information about John Evans and Edwin Stanton: what was their involvement in the Colorado Indian conflicts? What is Evans's assessment of the situation of Indian relations on the Colorado frontier, and what is the proposed solution?

2. Who does Governor John Evans address in his proclamation? What do you imagine the effect of this proclamation was on American citizens in Colorado territory?

3. The author of the first editorial from the Rocky Mountain News calls the Sand Creek Massacre "a remarkable feat": what information does this eye witness account offer, and what aspects are not mentioned so much? Can you detect a more sarcastic tone in the second editorial? What point do you think the writer is trying to make? What conclusions can you draw from these editorials about how the Rocky Mountain News portrayed the Sand Creek massacre? 

5. How would you describe John Smith's role in mediating between the U.S. military and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians? Based on his congressional testimony, does Smith seem a reliable witness to you? How does Smith characterize Colonel Chivington's actions?

6. On what points do John Smith's and Chivington's testimony differ most clearly? What different accounts do the two witnesses have of the number of Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians who were involved in the conflict? 

7. How do Little Bear and George Bent recount the massacre? What larger context does George Bent place the Sand Creek Massacre in?

8. From the US senate report on the battle of Washita River, can you deduce what events led up to the battle? And what are some similarities and differences with the Sand Creek Massacre?