Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Washita Battlefield
November 27, 1868. Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer led the 7th US Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. This site of a tragic clash of cultures during the Great Plains Wars is a place of remembrance for those who died here.

18555 Highway 47A Suite A
Cheyenne, OK 73628
United States

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580-497-2742

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Washita Battlefield
Washita Battlefield
Washita Battlefield
Washita Battlefield
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Discover Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Washita Battlefield photo

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site preserves the location of the 1868 attack led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer on a peaceful Southern Cheyenne village along the Washita River in present-day Oklahoma. This tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of Chief Black Kettle and many others, was part of the broader conflicts between Native American nations and the US government during Westward Expansion. Today, the site offers a place for reflection, education, and remembrance, with walking trails and exhibits that explore the history and resilience of the Cheyenne people.

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2010 Passport Stamp Set

$6.99

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Hiking Stick Medallion - Logo

$7.99

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Patch - Illustration

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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Wood Ornament

$9.99

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Book

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Pathway through rocky hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Two tall trees at Washita Battlefield stand in a sunny, grassy field under a clear blue sky.

12 hours at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Learn the history and impact of the 1868 Battle of Washita and the area’s cultural significance to the Cheyenne as a traditional winter village.

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Visit smart

Start at the visitor center

Learn about the battle’s historical context through exhibits, artifacts, and an informative film.

Walk the Battlefield Trail

This 1.5-mile trail provides interpretive signs and a peaceful setting for reflection on the events that took place here.

Attend a ranger-led program

Ranger-led talks offer deeper insights into the battle, Native perspectives, and the broader conflicts of the era.

Respect the sacred site

The battlefield is a solemn place of remembrance for the Cheyenne people, so visitors should explore with mindfulness and respect.

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Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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