City of Boulder Plans Redevelopment of Historic Site Linked to Sand Creek Massacre

The City of Boulder has unveiled concept plans to redevelop a 120-acre farm site with historical ties to the Sand Creek Massacre, where over 100 local men participated in the tragic event 160 years ago. This announcement follows two years of consultations with representatives from the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes. The Boulder troops trained at Fort Chambers, established in 1864 amid false claims of Indigenous violence, which fueled anti-Indigenous sentiment in Colorado. The tribes had camped in the Sand Creek area under military instructions during peace negotiations. Ben Ridgley, a Northern Arapaho representative, emphasized the historical significance of the site, stating, "The intent overall was to annihilate us." He expressed hope that the redevelopment could foster a better understanding of the past. The Sand Creek site was designated a national historic site in 2007, serving as a reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples. In March, Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks staff collaborated with Northern Arapaho and Northern Cheyenne representatives to develop a long-term plan for the Fort Chambers property. Chester Whiteman, a Southern Cheyenne representative, initially opposed the project but later recognized the importance of sharing narratives from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. He stressed the need for education and dialogue to promote understanding and healing. Boulder County acquired the property in 1902, which includes a home and several historical structures, marking a significant chapter in the region's complex history.