The Washita Battlefield
In this episode of The Two-Wheelin’ Reporter, Mitch Watson visits the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site.
On a cold morning in 1868, Lt. Col. George Custer attacked a Cheyenne settlement along the Washita River. The Washita Battlefield Nation Historic Site tells the story of this attack. Open to visitors seven days a week, the site offers a chance to walk through the actual battle ground. The battlefield lies on the Black Kettle National Grasslands. Here, the natural grasses of the Great Plains are preserved.
The trail through the battlefield lies in preserved grasslands of the Black Kettle National Grasslands.
Custer thought he was attacking a group of hostile American Indians, but he was wrong. Instead, he attacked a peaceful winter encampment. The Cheyenne would stop traveling during the winter, usually along a river. Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle chose to camp along the Washita River.
The Washita River
Through the summer, the Visitor Center provides guided hikes through the battlefield. The hikes inform visitors about the battlefield and explain the progress of the battle.
Map of the battlefield
A good starting point for a trip to the Washita Battlefield would be the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center holds a small museum and features a short film about the battle. The museum has hands-on exhibits for kids.
A bison pelt and bones spread the table for hands-on fun.
The museum also examines the lifestyles of the Cheyenne and the U.S. soldiers during the American Indian Wars.
This exhibit examines the winter encampment of the Cheyenne.
For families, the Visitor Center has set up a short trail outside of the building. The Dust and Fire trail offers activities for both kids and adults.
The Dust and Fire Trail is a short trail designed for families.
Along the Dust and Fire Trail is a small cottage built to relic the old settlements on the Great Plains.
The cottages on the Great Plains were usually small and simple.
