Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th US Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here.
Washita Battlefield is located just west of Cheyenne in western Oklahoma approximately 130 miles west of Oklahoma City and 140 miles east of Amarillo, Texas; just 25 miles north of I-40 on State Highway 283. From Cheyenne head west on State Highway 47 for about 1 mile and then make a right on State Highway 47A. The visitor center will be on the right and the battlefield is about .5 miles past the visitor center on the right as well.
- Arts and Culture
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Military
- Cavalry
- US Army
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Native American Heritage
- Tragic Events
- Massacres
- Wars and Conflicts
- Tribal Conflicts
- Indian and Frontier Wars
- Westward Expansion
- Homesteading
- Animals
- Foothills, Plains and Valleys
- Grasslands
- Scenic Views
- Trails
Tipis at Sunset
Cheyenne tipis backlite by sunset
Washita River
The Washita River looking much the same as it did during the attack on November 27, 1868
Cheyenne Dog Soldier Telling Stories
A Cheyenne Dog Soldier tells stories inside his tipi
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center on a summer day
Learning Something New at Washita
A Park Ranger helps children with their Jr. Ranger books.
"Meeting the Enemy"
A Cheyenne Warrior and U.S. Cavalry soldier hold a meeting next to a tipi