July 25, 2006

For Immediate Release

Craig Moore

 SAND CREEK MASSACRE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE UPDATE

 The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (NHS) continues to move closer to establishment and public opening.  Establishment of the NHS, which will help preserve and commemorate the site of the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, was authorized by Public Law 106-465, in November, 2000.  The NHS will be officially established when the United States has acquired enough of the massacre site lands to adequately protect, interpret and memorialize them. The United States currently owns 920 acres within the site’s authorized boundaries. 

In the summer of 2005, Public Law 109-45 authorized the Secretary of Interior to accept trust responsibility for 1465 acres within the site, currently owned by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.  This area, the former ‘Dawson Ranch’, was acquired by the Tribes in 2003.  Title work to convey this land to the United States is currently in progress. When conveyance of title from the tribes to the United States occurs, the Secretary of Interior may formally establish the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Initially, the NHS will include about 2,400 acres.  Once established, and adequate facilities are in place to provide for safety and education, the NHS may be opened to the public.

 In the coming weeks the NPS will host an initial design and planning workshop to begin outlining the basic layout of the site in preparation for public visitation.  Issues such as possible roadways, trails, signage, public information, restrooms, water, and parking will be reviewed.  A full General Management Plan, including public participation, will begin in the near future.