Historical Gems on the Colorado Plains

The wind swept plains of Northeastern Colorado are hardly what most people think of when they think of Colorado. When most people think of historical battlefields they don't think of the plains of Colorado. However there are two gems on the plains of Colorado that are well worth the visit to any armature historian. Both battlefields were significant turning points in the Plains Indian wars that took place in the latter part of the nineteenth century.

The first is the Summit Springs Battlefield. This was a famous battle mainly because of the famous scout, Buffalo Bill Cody. The Battle also signified the end of the Cheyennes Dog soldiers. The battle happened after an Indian raid in Nebraska. A handful of white settlers were kidnapped, and the Army tracked the Indians to Summit Springs. The camp was attacked and the Indians eventually surrendered. Summit Springs is easy to get to from the interstate. Just get off of I-76 at exit 115. Head South on Highway 63 for approximately 5 miles. Once you reach Logan County RD 2 Turn left and follow the dirt road until it curves. The gate to Summit Springs is at the curve. Remember Summit Springs is on private property so be respectful.

The second Battle Field is called Beecher Island. It derived it's name from the highest ranking soldier killed in the battle. The battle itself is known because the famous Cheyenne war chief, Roman Nose was killed in this fight. The battle summary is after a raid in Kansas, US soldiers were tracking the raiders through Nebraska and into Colorado. One morning the soldiers spotted a couple of Cheyenne trying to stampede their horses. The soldiers quickly moved onto a sandy island in a nearby creek and dug in. From the Island the soldiers managed to fend off multiple Cheyenne attacks. Finally Roman Nose arrived in the Indian camp. Roman Nose was asked to lead the attack, but he had "lost his medicine," because he ate a piece of bread that had been pierced by a metal fork. Roman Nose was not to eat any food that had been pierced by metal. Roman Nose did a quick purification ritual and then reluctantly lead a charge against soldiers, in which he was killed. Beecher Island is a little harder to get to. The battle field lies south f the small town of Wray, just of Highway 385.

Whether you are a hard core American historian, or just a curious spectator, both Battlefields are worth checking out. The best part is the price is nice, for they are both free to visit. If you are in Northeast Colorado, just passing through, take some time, and see two very important, and over looked historical places in America.