February 28, 1861
U.S. Congress approves establishment of Colorado Territory (present-day Colorado), incorporating land previously part of Utah, Kansas and New Mexico territories.
March 1861
Abraham Lincoln sworn in as the 16th President of the United States, sealing the fate of disagreements between southern and northern states over tariffs, territorial issues, and the racially-charged dispute over slavery. South Carolina secedes from the Union, followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. By 1861, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee join the 11-state Confederate government, led by President Jefferson Davis.
April 12, 1861
The steaming kettle of hostility between pro-slavery Democrats and abolitionist Republicans finally boils over. Confederate troops attack the Union-held Fort Sumter, South Carolina. President Lincoln immediately orders his army to move on the Confederates, and the Civil War – or War of Rebellion – begins.
Summer 1861
Confederate army of Texans led by General Henry H. Sibley push up Rio Grande Valley, capturing Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The Confederates intend to move northward and capture lands from Santa Fe to Fort Laramie, cutting off Union supply lines to California. Colorado Territorial Governor William Gilpin recruits volunteers for the Colorado 1st Volunteers to answer the call for help from New Mexican Union forces. John Chivington offered position of Military Chaplain, but he requests a “fighting, rather than praying” commission. Chivington enlists as a Major, Edward Wynkoop commissioned as a Captain, and Silas Soule a First Lieutenant.
September 1861
Annuities promised to Indians under Fort Wise Treaty have not yet been delivered. Although they have been stored at Fort Wise all summer, Colorado Governor William Gilpin has ordered they not be distributed until winter. Cheyennes and Arapahos, destitute and hungry after a long and dry summer on the plains, gather at Fort Wise to demand delivery. Fort Wise commander Captain Elmer Otis distributes only a few provisions.
October 1861
Amended version of Fort Wise Treaty is delivered to Fort Wise and signed again by chiefs.
Winter 1861
Appointed by Lincoln, Samuel G. Colley replaces Albert G. Boone as Indian Agent for Cheyennes and Arapahos at Fort Wise (Lyon). Colley and son Dexter operate a trading business with Indian interpreter and mountain man John S. Smith, and rumors soon abound that the Colleys and Smith are selling government-issued annuities (the ones allotted under the Fort Wise Treaty) to the Indians. The government never investigates these allegations.
Early Winter 1862
President Lincoln appoints his friend John Evans to the office of Colorado Territorial Governor, replacing William Gilpin. Lincoln recognizes the vast commercial potential of the territory, and concludes that Evans’ astute skills in land development and railroad building make him the logical choice to help bring Colorado into the Union.
Evans is also appointed to the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs, although Evans has no knowledge of Indian customs. Evans is charged with keeping the Indian tribes pacified, while at the same time charged with developing Colorado commerce and protecting its white emigrants.
March 26-28, 1862 Battle at Apache Canyon and La Glorieta Pass, N.M.
Colonel John P. Slough’s 1st Colorado Cavalry joins New Mexican forces against Sibley’s Texans. Major John M. Chivington's command, protecting Slough’s flank, by chance encounters the Texans’ main supply line and strikes a decisive blow at La Glorieta Pass, sending the surviving Rebels scurrying back to San Antonio. For his accomplishments at La Glorieta, Chivington promoted to Colonel and replaces Slough as Colorado’s Military District Commander. Denverites hail the returning Colorado heroes, and dub Chivington “The Fighting Parson.”
Read Rebellion Records regarding the Battle at La Glorietta Pass