Edward W. Wynkoop Building - Denver, CO
Posted by: 
Outspoken1
N 39° 45.193 W 104° 59.938
13S E 500088 N 4400367
A series of plaques as part of a walking tour of lower downtown (original) Denver
Waymark Code: WM3MKY
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 04/21/2008
Views: 53
The plaque reads as follows:
Edward W. Wynkoop
This building is named for Edward W. Wynkoop</A< (1836-1891) to honor his peacemaking efforts, though unsuccessful, to resolve the Indian-white conflict which resulted tragically in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864.
Exaggerated reports of Indian-white fighting and bloodshed in the surrounding plains reached Denver and the city was terrorized by rumors that the Indians were planning to destroy the town.
Major Edward W. Wynkoop, the humane commander of Fort Lyon, tenaciously worked for a peaceful solution to the problem. Despite the loss of his command for holding these unpopular beliefs, he arranged meetings between Governor [John] Evans and well-intentioned Indian chiefs to plan for peace. Succumbing to intense political pressure for military action, the Governor declared total war.
The Third Colorado Regiment surprised the Cheyenne in their lodges at Sand Creek. One hundred and five women and children plus twenty-eight men, many aged, were shot, scalped, and mutilated.
Wynkoop’s courageous stand is an inspiration to seek peaceful solutions to conflict between peoples.
Constructed in 1901 as a spice and commission house, the building was later used as a general warehouse. In 1979, it was renovated for office and living space.
Group or Groups Responsible for Placement:
Lower Downtown [Denver] District
County or City: Denver
Date Dedicated: Unknown
Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
In your log, please say if you learned something new or if you were able to take any extra time to explore the area once you stopped at the historic marker waymark. If possible, please post a photo of you at the marker OR your GPS at the marker location OR some other creative way to prove you visited. If you know of any additional links not already mentioned about this bit of Colorado history, go ahead and include that in your log!