Sometimes there are things listed on maps that sound interesting, but when you try to go there's not a single sign for it until you're already at the spot; such was the case with the Beecher Island Battlefield.

The name on the map sounded interesting enough to my friend and I, so we decided to head that way. After some good navigation on his part we arrived at the small site near the nice town of Wray, Colorado.

An obelisk marks the spot where for nine days in 1868 50 U.S. Scouts held their ground against a group of 600 Indians who were suspected of raiding frontier settlements on the Plains. The Indians attacked the scouts in their camps behind the leadership of Chief Roman Nose. He was killed in an initial charge though and the Indian's assaults became rather unorganized thereafter.

A small display near the obelisk explains the battle, as well as some of the events around it, but since it was put up in the 1960s it is a bit slanted. Just for this matter I threw in a few bucks to the donations box so hopefully they can fix a few things for future visitors. I find it troubling though that this cannot be done more easily than by donation since the spot is a National Historic Site. It would seem to me that a small amount of funds could help tell a better, and more balanced, story of the events.

Near the battlefield marker there is also a trail named after Chief Roman Nose. We were running out of time on the day so did not have a chance to take a hike. I'm sure though that it offered some interesting views, particularly over the battlefield, since this area is quite hilly in spots.

Despite the small difficulties we had in finding the location, almost missing it entirely, it was well worth the troubles. I gained a greater appreciation for eastern Colorado and its history. It also helped me to better understand what happened in the Plains between the settlers, the Indians and the U.S. soldiers in the area and the hatred and troubles that continued to spill over following the Sand Creek Massacre.