Gold discovered in Colorado triggers an invasion of American settlers into lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, Dakota, Kiowa, and Comanche peoples. Prospectors and settlers violate territorial boundaries per the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1851. The U.S. government tries to break the treaty and force the Cheyenne and Arapaho onto reservations, but they refuse to go. During the negotiations, Cheyenne Chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope are allowed to peacefully camp near Sand Creek en route to Fort Lyon. The bands are peaceful and have been promised safe passage (Nies, 1996).