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Bent’s Old Fort Remembers Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Native American Leader and Champion of Sand Creek
Description: Former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell speaks at the April 2007 dedication of Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. NPS Photo. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site honors Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne leader, Korean War veteran, U.S. Senator, and key advocate for Native American rights and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. Read the Full Statement from Bent's Old Fort NHS...
Bent’s Old Fort Honors the Life and Legacy of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell
The staff of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who passed away yesterday at the age of 92.
A proud member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, Campbell served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, earning honors for his commitment and valor.
Following his military service, Campbell brought his deep sense of duty to public office. He served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1987–1993) and two terms in the U.S. Senate (1993–2005), where he became the first Native American elected to the Senate in more than 60 years. Campbell was known for his bipartisan leadership and fierce advocacy for Native American rights, veterans, and rural communities. He was pivotal in the creation of Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and sponsored the law establishing that park twenty-five years ago last month.
Senator Campbell’s journey from military service to the halls of Congress stands as a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and the enduring role of Native leadership in shaping the nation.
