Washita Battlefield NHS

The Cheyenne & The 7th Cavalry

Head for the former stomping grounds of legendary historic figures like Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle and Col. George Armstrong Custer at the site of the Washita Massacre.

Visitor Information

Found near Cheyenne in western Oklahoma, the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a 315-acre preserved site of the 1868 Battle of Washita River. Also, known as the Battle of the Washita and the Washita Massacre, the site commemorates a major clash of the Indian Wars.

The Washita River Battle was fought between the Cheyenne led by Peace Chief Black Kettle, and the 7th U.S. Cavalry, led by the famed Lt. Col. Custer.

Today the park is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts thousands of annual visitors.

Attractions & Activities

Oklahoma travelers are encourage to first stop by the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center is set along Highway 47A, just north of Interstate 40 near the Texas Panhandle border. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. save Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The Washita Battlefield Visitor Center offers history exhibits, maps and park information, a Western National Parks Association bookstore, and the 27-minute film, “Destiny at Dawn: Loss & Victory on the Washita.”

Now walk in the footsteps of Black Kettle and Custer along two park trails. The Washita Overlook & Trail is a viewpoint of and walking path to the village of Chief Black Kettle. The area offers historical markers and information of the park, plus visitor facilities and picnic spots.

The .5-mile Dust & Fire Trail explores more of the nature of the site, including the Washita Native Garden – home to 21 tree and plant species.