“The Unvanquished”

“The Unvanquished” White Antelope was a leader of the Southern Cheyenne before he and his people were killed in a massacre at Sand Creek in 1864. The Southern Cheyenne and white settlers coexisted rather peaceably in the Denver area until treaty chiefs were pressured into signing an agreement with the Federal Government that allowed the encroachment of settlers and gold seekers on their hunting lands without prior consultation with the entire tribe.

After an altercation between Colorado Militia and the Southern Cheyenne which resulted in the death of many Indian women and children as well as warriors, the Governor of Colorado persuaded the Indians to settle at Sand Creek.

On November 29, 1864, Reverend J.M. Chivington, an officer of the Colorado volunteer militia, acting under his own volition, raised nearly 1000 volunteers to drive the Indians out of Sand Creek by mounting a surprise attack. Chivington and his men attacked the Indians with sadistic enthusiasm even though Black Kettle, the ranking chief of the village, had raised a white flag along side of a U.S. flag.

White Antelope stood in front of his lodge and sang his death song, which included the timeless passage, “nothing lives long except the earth and the mountains”. White Antelope was unceremoniously shot down with at least 300 men, women and children of his tribe.

This chapter in history, plus other recent events, has demonstrated that victory is not accomplished through the slaughter of innocent people. When a person, or group of people, are living out their lives in accordance with their beliefs, and in harmony with their surroundings, they cannot be conquered, even in death. They are, “The Unvanquished”.