Washita Battlefield National Historic Site facts for kids
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Washita Battlefield
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Washita Battlefield
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Cheyenne, Oklahoma |
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| Area | 7,680 acres (12.00 sq mi; 31.1 km2) |
| Website | Washita Battlefield National Historic Site |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000633 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 12, 1965 |
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a special place in Oklahoma. It protects the land where an important event happened long ago. This event was the Battle of Washita in 1868.
This battle involved the Southern Cheyenne people and the U.S. Army. The Cheyenne village was led by Chief Black Kettle. The army was led by Lt. Col. George Custer. The site is about 150 miles (240 km) west of Oklahoma City, near Cheyenne, Oklahoma.
On November 27, 1868, the army attacked the village. Many Cheyenne people were killed or injured during the battle. At the time, the army saw this as a big victory. They hoped it would stop raids on settlements and make the Cheyenne return to their assigned lands. The site became a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Exploring the Historic Site
| Washita Battlefield National Historic Site | |
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| Established | November 12, 1996 |
| Visitors | 14,215 (in 2004) |
The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a few miles west of Cheyenne, Oklahoma. You can find it on the north side of Oklahoma State Highway 47. The main part of the site is between SR 47A and the Washita River.
Visitor Center and Trails
The visitor center is near where Highway 47 and 47A meet. Here, you can learn all about the battle. There are exhibits about the soldiers and the Cheyenne people. You can also watch a film and find books in the bookstore.
The site is mostly open prairie, which is a type of grassland. There are strips of trees along the river. Trails lead from the parking area on 47A into the park. These trails let you explore the historic land.
Protecting the Battlefield
The historic site covers about 315 acres (1.27 km²). This area helps remember the 1868 Battle of Washita River. Some parts of the battlefield extend into the town of Cheyenne. Building roads and railroads has changed these areas over time.
However, the historic site protects one of the best-preserved parts of the battlefield. This includes the area where the Cheyenne village once stood. This village was the main focus of the battle. The site is surrounded by the Black Kettle National Grassland.
