Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

The Historic Site protects and interprets 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 during the era of the Plains and Indian Wars. The attack was an important event in the tragic clash of cultures of the Indian Wars era.

The Basics

Hours:

Park Headquarters: Open daily, 8 AM to 5 PM, except December 25 (Christmas holiday) and January 1 (New Years Day holiday). A Western National Parks Association Bookstore has items for sale. A 30-minute film, Destiny at Dawn: Loss and Victory on the Washita, is available for viewing at park headquarters every day of the week. The film is shown upon request.

Overlook and Trail: Open everyday, dawn to dusk. Restroom and water fountain at the overlook. Picnic tables available. Overlook consists of trailhead, historical marker, monument commemorating the site, and an engraved panel indicating approximate route, approach, and attack by the 7th U.S. Cavalry attack and the location of the Cheyenne Indian village. Ranger led talks during summer are at 9, 10, 11 AM and 2, 3:30 PM. Ranger led walks and programs by appointment/reservation throughout the remainder of the year.

Black Kettle Museum: Park Rangers staff the Black Kettle Museum on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.

Address:

426 East Broadway
PO Box 890
Cheyenne, OK 73628

Phone:

580-497-2742

Fax:

580-497-2712

Directions

The Historic Site is located near the town of Cheyenne, which is situated in western Oklahoma halfway between Amarillo, TX. and Oklahoma City, OK. Cheyenne is approximately 30 miles north of I-40 on Hwy 283 and approximately 20 miles east of the Texas border.

From I-40 take exit 20 (Sayre) and travel north on US-283 to Cheyenne. The only 4-way stop sign in Cheyenne is the junction of US-283 and Hwy 47. Located next to the Rook Theatre and across the street from the Black Kettle Museum, Park Headquarters can be found at 426 E. Broadway (aka Hwy 47).

Climate

The Historic Site has a continental climate charaterized by cool winters and hot summers with large variations from day to day. Annual precipitation is approximately 23 inches. Strong winds accompany the passages of cold fronts and lows can be less than 0 and highs more than 100° F. Elevation is approximately 2,000 feet. Humidity can be high but is generally lower than eastern Oklahoma.

Fees

Free.

Reservations

Reservations suggested for groups.

Nearby Attractions

Black Kettle Museum, Cheyenne, OK

From March through December the Oklahoma History Society's museum is open on weekends 9 am – 5 pm and during the week Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm, with weekday closing for lunch at 11:45 – 12:45. Closed Christmas.

January through February, it is open Friday 10 am - 4 pm and the weekend from 9 am - 4 pm. Restroom & water fountain. Exhibits on the Cheyenne people, the attack and the aftermath. There are archeological and fossil exhibits.

Home Page \| Advertising \| Site Map \| Contact Go-Oklahoma.com
Copyright 1998 - 2008