Washita
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Washita

Washita

Oklahoma historic site preserving the Southern Cheyenne village attacked by Custer's 7th Cavalry in 1868

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site protects and interprets the site of the Southern Cheyenne village of Peace Chief Black Kettle, attacked by the 7th U.S. Cavalry under Lt. Col. George A. Custer just before dawn on November 27, 1868.

The strike was hailed at the time by the military as a significant victory against Indian raids on frontier settlements, but many labeled it a massacre. The controversy endures. Black Kettle is honored as a leader who never stopped striving for peace, even though it cost him his life.

Guide

Getting There

Cordell, the county seat of Washita County, sits about 30 miles north of Interstate 40 on US-183. From I-40, take the Weatherford exit and head north on US-183 through Weatherford and then Clinton before reaching Cordell. The drive from Oklahoma City takes roughly 90 minutes. There is no public transport to Cordell; this is self-drive country.

The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a further 50 miles west. From Cordell, continue north and then west on US-183 to Cheyenne, Oklahoma, where the visitor center is located just off the highway. The battlefield itself is a few miles further north along the Washita River. The entire area is open shortgrass prairie, and the roads are straight and lightly traveled.

Guide

Things to Do