Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

National Treasure Visited #11 on Shea’s Ultimate American Quest
First Experienced During Quest On: November 12, 2023

The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, located near Cheyenne, Oklahoma, commemorates the tragic events of November 27, 1868, when Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the 7th U.S. Cavalry attacked the village of Peace Chief Black Kettle and his band of Cheyenne. Over 100 Cheyenne, including women and children, were killed in the early morning raid. The attack marked a significant shift in U.S. military strategy, targeting not just warriors but the entire foundation of tribal life.

Today, the site serves as a place of remembrance and education. The visitor center offers exhibits, artifacts, and the film “Destiny at Dawn,” which explores the broader historical context and the impact of the attack. A 1.5-mile trail leads visitors through the battlefield, providing a quiet space for reflection.

Designated a national historic site in 1996, Washita Battlefield stands as a reminder of the consequences of broken promises and the cost of peace. It holds deep cultural significance for the Cheyenne people and serves as a vital place for understanding American history and the enduring strength of Native communities.

The image shows the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site visitor center, a modern building with tan and earth-toned walls. It is set against a clear blue sky. An American flag is on a pole to the left. A sign reads "Black Kettle National Grassland" on the right.

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries Tagged with Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Sign at the entrance to Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands. Featuring logos, it stands against a clear blue sky with a nearby leafless tree. The ground is covered in dry grass, echoing the site's historical significance.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
After visiting the Sand Creek Massacre site a few years ago, I knew that visiting where Peace Chief Black Kettle was killed was high on my list of National Treasures to experience.
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A trailhead sign for the Washita Battlefield is surrounded by a wooden fence on a grassy area under a clear blue sky. The landscape features dry grass and shrubbery. A concrete path leads to the sign with informational boards nearby. Distant rolling hills are visible.
A taxidermy bison is displayed on a naturalistic base with plants, surrounded by black ropes in a room with large windows at the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. The background features a wall mural of a snowy landscape as warm sunlight filters through, casting shadows on the floor.
Stone monument on a paved area under a clear blue sky. Text inscribed: "The Battle of the Washita 1868," with images of Black Kettle and George A. Custer etched beside a historical account of the battle. The monument top is decorated with small stones. Grass and a wooden fence in the background.
A narrow dirt path winds through tall, reddish-brown prairie grass under a clear blue sky. The open landscape stretches to the horizon, with sparse trees and shrubs dotting the rolling terrain in the distance. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and vastness.
A plaque displays a quote from Chief Magpie, a Washita survivor, as interviewed by Charles Brill in September 1930. The text reflects on the sorrow and history of returning to the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, emphasizing the conflict with Custer’s soldiers and its impact.
A historical exhibition display featuring a large black-and-white group photo of Native American children. Next to the photo, a text panel titled "Conflicts Continued After Washita" provides information. The setting includes a wooden display area with a blue artifact.
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