Named for John M. Chivington.

The Sand Creek Massacre site, located east of the town, is one of Colorado most controversial history events. 

On November 29,1864, Colonel Chivington led the Third Army Regiment, numbering one thousand plus, to Sand Creek.

The Arapaho and Cheyenne were winter camped at Sand Creek believing they were protected under amnesty. The village consisted manly of women, children and the old.   The men were away seeking food, at the time of the attack.

Plans are for the site to become a religious and cultural unit of the National Park System as well as the  establishment of Sand Creek National Historic Site.