Beyond the Narrative: Jeff Broome Challenges What We Know About Sand Creek

Wild West Podcast

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Gold rushes change landscapes—both physical and human. When 100,000 settlers poured into Colorado Territory following the 1858 discovery of gold, they unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that would culminate in one of America's most controversial military actions. The newcomers' wagons followed water sources critical to both buffalo herds and the nomadic Plains Indians who depended on them for survival. As these resources vanished, tensions escalated into violence.
Historian Jeff Broome takes us deep into the complexities of the Sand Creek Massacre, challenging simplified narratives through meticulous primary source research. His account traces the growing conflict through 1864—from the killing of Cheyenne Chief Lean Bear to the Hungate family murders to the failed Camp Weld peace conference. Each incident represents a thread in a complex tapestry of cultural misunderstanding, economic pressure, and political maneuvering.
What makes Broome's perspective particularly valuable is his commitment to evidence over preconception. Despite discovering his own great-great-uncle fought with the 3rd Colorado Cavalry at Sand Creek, Broome maintains his dedication to letting archaeological findings and primary documents guide his conclusions. His willingness to revise established stories when evidence contradicts them—as with his discoveries at the Hungate massacre site—demonstrates true historical integrity. Most poignantly, Broome finds common ground with Native perspectives by acknowledging the profound cultural trauma of boarding schools that severed Indigenous peoples' connections to their ancestors by prohibiting their languages.
Don't miss Dr. Broome's upcoming presentation on October 4th at the Dodge City Library, where he'll continue exploring these complex historical narratives. For more on the American West, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes or visit wildwestpodcastbuzzsprout.com. Questions or comments? Reach us at [email protected].

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Jeff Broome (00:00:00)

2. Origins of the Plains Indian War (00:01:00)

3. 1864 Indian Raids and Tensions (00:04:12)

4. Camp Weld Conference and Peace Attempts (00:08:00)

5. Events Leading to Sand Creek Massacre (00:12:40)

6. Personal Connection to Historical Research (00:17:40)

7. Approaching Sensitive Historical Perspectives (00:20:15)

8. Episode Conclusion and Event Announcement (00:22:20)

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