The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (NHS) recently installed a new sign near the park’s main entrance gates.  The sign, which was designed at the Park Service’s Harpers Ferry Center in West Virginia, is 6’ x 10’ pine. The need for such a sign has been on the increase since the site’s opening in 2007.  The sign should greatly assist visitors in locating the park. 

 The difficult job of hand-crafting support logs, as well as staining, bolting and hoisting the sign has been a joint effort between the Sand Creek Massacre NHS and Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site.  Park Service employees Durwood Miller of Holly, Eddie Aragon and Clark Walz of La Junta, and Karl Zimmermann of Las Animas have been involved with the project.  Post-holes for the sign were dug by Kiowa County Commissioner Mr. Vern Harris. 

 In other park news, the Sand Creek Massacre NHS will close for the winter season beginning on December 1, 2008.  Guests wishing to visit the site between December and April 1 should contact the park at least two-weeks in advance.  Accessibility during the off-season will be determined by forecast weather conditions and staff availability. 

 In 2008, the park has hosted over 2000 visitors, many traveling to the area from across the nation, and some from foreign countries.  Efforts to increase visitation, as well as provide additional visitor services and educational opportunities are the subject of the park’s developing General Management Plan. 

 For additional information about the Sand Creek Massacre NHS, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/sand, or call 719-729-3003 or 719-383-5051.

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Please call (719) 729-3003 for more information

Photo by Chris Sorensen