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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site


category : Battlesites
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Washita Battlefield National Historic Site protects and interprets the site of the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle that was attacked by the 7th U.S. Cavalry under Lt. Col. George A. Custer just before dawn on November 27, 1868. The controversial strike was hailed at the time by the military and many civilians as a significant victory aimed at reducing Indian raids on frontier settlements. Washita remains controversial because many Indians and whites labeled Custer's attack a massacre. Black Kettle is still honored as a prominent leader who never ceased striving for peace even though it cost him his life.

The overlook consists of a historical plaque, a monument commemorating the site, and a panel indicating the approximate route, approach, and attack of Custer, and the approximate location of the Indian village.

There is a self-guided trail system available that is designed to provide you with a visual experience of the happenings here in 1868. The trail system is divided into two trails that allow you to explore and learn about the action on the Washita. The upper loop is 8/10 of a mile with 7 stops, and the lower loop trail is 7/10 of a mile with 5 stops. The guide can be obtained at the locations listed below.


Admission: Free admission
Hours: Everyday, daylight to dusk
Address: Located 2 miles west of Cheyenne; 1 mile west of Jct State Hwy 47 & State Hwy 47A
Phone: 580-497-2742
Our Website:www.nps.gov/waba/
Note: All programs begin at the overlook.

Ranger-guided walks: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Talks: 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Self-guided tours available.
(Trails are rough so proper shoes and clothing is advised. Also, there are no facilities on site--full services are available in Cheyenne 1 1/2 miles east of site.)

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Programs/Activities:
Trail guides and park brochures are available at:

Park Headquarters
426 E. Broadway
Cheyenne, OK
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
or
Community Museum
Location: City Park, Hwy 283
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.;
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Come visit us in Cheyenne, Oklahoma

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Horseshoe Hills

This landmark is a unique formation of hills creating a natural horseshoe shape. Custer and his men camped there the night before the attack on Chief Black Kettle, serving as an ideal place to hide Custer'

Cheyenne, OK Landmarks

Santa Fe Depot

Cheyenne was the western terminus for the Clinton, Oklahoma, and Western Railroad (also known as the "COW") until the Santa Fe took over in 1928 and extended the line to Pampa, Texas. Passenger service survived until the 1960's using a "doodlebug" (AT&SF Motorcar #M.177) as train numbers 63 & 64

Cheyenne, OK Railroad History

The Augusta Metcalfe & Break O'Day Farm

Break O'Day Farm and Metcalfe Museum, the historic homestead and repository for the works of Oklahoma pioneer and “Sagebrush Artist,” Augusta Corson Metcalfe Directions:

Cheyenne, OK Museums

Strong City-Kendall Log Cabin

The homestead house from the Strong City-Kendall area is an original log cabin from the early 1900s that has been restored and furnished to period details. Look for all hidden treasures with self-guided posters to help you see more into the life of the pioneers.

Cheyenne, OK Pioneer History

The Story of the Battle of the Washita

Introduction The cultural collision between pioneers and Indians reached its peak on the Great Plains during the decades before and after the Civil War. U.S. Government policy sought to separate tribes and settlers from each other by establishing an Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma)

Cheyenne, OK

Things to do Battlesites near Cheyenne, OK

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site