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.

PO Box 890
Cheyenne, OK 73628
580-497-2742 - Headquarters

By Plane
Nearest Airport is Will Rogers International in Oklahoma City 145 miles east

By Car
From I-40 take exit 20 (Sayre) and travel north on US-283 to Cheyenne. Park Headquarters and The Black Kettle Museum are located near the intersection of US-283 and SH-47. The site is 2 miles west of Cheyenne on SH-47A. Follow the National Historic Site signs to site.

By Plane
Not Available

Getting Around
A one and half mile mown self-guided trail system is currently in available for those interested in seeing the site. The lower trail may be closed for prairie restoration at times. Trail guides are available at Park Headquarters, the Black Kettle Museum and the Pioneer Museum in the City Park.

The average winter day is in the mid 30's to 40's and the summers are hot. Cheyenne is the second windiest town in Oklahoma. Sudden violent storms can occur at anytime year round.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs

Recommended Activities
While Washita Battlefield NHS is a relatively new addition to the National Park System there is much to see and do on your visit. Start your visit in the newly renovated Black Kettle Museum in Cheyenne. The exhibits will give a good background on the events leading up and surrounding Washita. A trail guide is available at the museum for the site(e2)(80)(997320)8/10-mile trail or you can go to the site overlook/trailhead and learn about what happened. In the summer months (late May (e2)(80)(93204d)id August) Ranger led programs are available five times a day. For the rest of year please call ahead and arrange for a volunteer led program.

Afterwards you may want to visit the Black Kettle National Grasslands. The grasslands offer hunting, boating, camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities on over 30,000 acres of public land. There are also numerous museums in Cheyenne that are open seven days a week. Please check out the links section for more details.