Professor Raymond G. Carey conducted research on the events at Sand Creek.

The site of the Sand Creek Massacre is now a National Historic Site in eastern Colorado.

Raymond Carey in his youth.

Collection Overview

Creator: Carey, Raymond G.

Title: Raymond G. Carey Sand Creek Collection

Inclusive Dates: 1950-1971

Size: 3.5 linear ft.

Processed By: Initial finding aid prepared by Tamara E. Livingston, May 1987; Finding aid revised and Web version prepared by Robin E. Beran, October 2001; revised July 2003; January 2007

Raymond G. Carey, professor of history at the University of Denver from 1945 to 1971, conducted research on the massacre at Sand Creek, which took place on November 29, 1864. On that day, the troops of the Colorado Third volunteer regiment, commanded by Colonel John M. Chivington, attacked a group of 500 Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians who were encamped on the banks of Sand Creek, about 40 miles from Fort Lyon, near the present-day town of Lamar. Some 150 Indians were killed, including many women and children. Although Chivington and his benefactor, Governor John Evans, were lauded as heroes in Denver, where anti-Indian sentiment ran high, the Congress and the U.S. Army were less impressed, and both launched investigations into the incident. No indictments were made, however, and the incident remains one of the most controversial events in the history of Indian-white relations.

Scope and Content

This collection contains research conducted by Professor Carey regarding the Sand Creek massacre. A large proportion of the information pertains to individuals involved in the events of that day and is organized alphabetically by last name. Also included are maps, copies of military records, regimental data, and copies of photographs. Carey's notes, bibliographic cards, and correspondence concerning Sand Creek are also included. Most of the material consists of photocopies of microform copies of documents held by various other repositories.