Civil War Union Army Officer. An abolitionist and Methodist minister, he was known as the "Fighting Parson" during the border wars in Kansas during the 1850s. Appointed as Colonel and commander of the 1st Colorado Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War, he was given command of the military district of Colorado in 1863. A virulent, fanatical Indian-hater, in 1864 he led a force of 1000 militia and volunteers against a village of 700 Arapaho and Cheyenne under the leadership of Black Kettle, who were encamped along Sand Creek in Colorado. Although Black Kettle raised both a White Flag and an American Flag to signify the camp was both peaceful and unarmed, the militia attacked the camp, 500 of whom were women and children. Regardless of the age or gender, at least 400 unarmed Indians were killed in what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre. John M. Chivington faced three separate hearings, but no official action was ever taken. (additional information added by Russ Dodge)
Civil War Union Army Officer. An abolitionist and Methodist minister, he was known as the "Fighting Parson" during the border wars in Kansas during the 1850s. Appointed as Colonel and commander of the 1st Colorado Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War, he was given command of the military district of Colorado in 1863. A virulent, fanatical Indian-hater, in 1864 he led a force of 1000 militia and volunteers against a village of 700 Arapaho and Cheyenne under the leadership of Black Kettle, who were encamped along Sand Creek in Colorado. Although Black Kettle raised both a White Flag and an American Flag to signify the camp was both peaceful and unarmed, the militia attacked the camp, 500 of whom were women and children. Regardless of the age or gender, at least 400 unarmed Indians were killed in what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre. John M. Chivington faced three separate hearings, but no official action was ever taken. (additional information added by Russ Dodge)
Bio by: Garver Graver
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