Mt. Evans is a beautiful and majestic mountain in the Mount Evans Wilderness, Arapaho National Forest, and Pike National Forest within the state of Colorado.  It is a picturesque view from Denver and a popular hiking and outdoor spot.  Unfortunately, it is named after John Evans, the 2nd Governor of the Territory of Colorado, appointed by President Lincoln in 1862.

Evans is notorious for his role in the Sand Creek massacre in eastern Colorado, killing between 150-500 Arapaho and Cheyenne people on November 29, 1864.  This event is a scar on the history of the state and the country.  The man who instigated this massacre should not be honored with one of the most prominent mountains in the states, or anything else for that matter.

Due to the Colorado Gold Rush many white settlers began traversing and settling in the Cheyenne and Arapaho land (established by the Treaty of Fort Laramie) of eastern Colorado.  Due to the influx of people coming west a new treaty was signed (Treaty of Fort Wise), but was not accepted by the whole tribes due to the signing being done outside the established democratic means.  Due to the Civil War breaking out and the mobilization of troops throughout the states, many began occupying Colorado.  Led by Colonel John Chivington, Governor Evans allowed him to take a hardline approach agains the native tribes, which sparked attacks without any formal declaration of war.  The tribes tried to broker a peace and attempted negotiations under a white flag.  Chivington ignored the flag and massacred the native people.  All under the approval and encouragement of Governor Evans.

Therefore, we ask that Evans name be removed from the mountain and replaced with a more fitting name, ideally with input from the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.