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When Colors Bleed I
In the fall of 1864, a band of Cheyennes led by Black Kettle and White Antelope, and a band of Arapahoes led by Chief Left Hand came to speak to the Whites about making lasting peace. Just the year before, Black Kettle had been invited to Washington D.C. where he spoke with both President Abraham Lincoln and Colonel Greenwood. President Lincoln gave him some medallions and Colonel Greenwood presented him with a huge United States flag decorated with 34 stars and the promise that as long as this flag flew above his camp, no soldier would fire upon his people. So confident was he of this promise, no night watchman was appointed to protect his camp; for safety and peace with the Whites had finally come.
In the early morning of November 29, 1864 over 700 soldiers under the command of Colonel Chivington opened fire on Black Kettle’s and White Antelope’s camp at Sand Creek. Those escaping the cross fire gathered around Black Kettle’s flag; their only hope for protection. White Antelope, a man of 75 years, rattled by disbelief, walked towards the soldiers with his hands high in the air screaming, “STOP! STOP!” His words were met with bullets as he fell to his death.
Survivors of this brutal massacre say that White Antelope sang the Cheyenne death song as he died.
Nothing lives long
Only the earth and the mountains
Although this event took place less than 150 years ago, it is tragically forgotten in most U.S. history books.
But the Cheyennes will never forget…
This image is available in:
- Matted 11" x 14" Print
- Matted 11" x 14" Print w/ Buffalo Nickel
- Framed 11" x 14" Print
- Framed 11" x 14" Print w/ Buffalo Nickel
- Framed 16" x 20"
