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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site     

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site 
courtesy of the National Park Service 

Contact Information:
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site 
PO Box 890
Cheyenne, OK 73628
580-497-2742
http://www.nps.gov/waba/

Size: 315 acres

Location: Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is located 2 miles west of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, on OK 47A. Park headquarters and Black Kettle Museum are near the intersection of US 283 and OK 47. 

Description: Site protects and interprets the site of the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle that was attacked by the 7th US Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer just before dawn on November 27, 1868. The controversial strike has been described as both a battle and a massacre.

Activities: A good place to begin your visit is at the Black Kettle Museum in Cheyenne, where exhibits provide a  background of the events leading up to and surrounding Washita. During the summer months (late May – Mid August) ranger-led programs are available several times a day a day and throughout the rest of the year volunteer-led programs are offered by advanced arrangement. The nearby Black Kettle National Grasslands offers opportunities for boating, camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching on more than 30,000 acres of public land. 

Operating Hours: The park is open year round. 

History: Authorized on November 12, 1996. 

See other National Historic Sites
See other Oklahoma National Parks

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