And now we shall travel back in time again to the year of 1868 where General Custer led a surprise (and unprovoked) attack on a peacefully, slumbering Cheyenne and Arapaho village. There were over 250 people wintering along the Washita River that fateful morning, most to be slaughtered in nothing short of genocide. You can read about the battle here.

The Washita Battlefield National History Site is a well-maintained and sacred area for the Cheyenne and Arapaho. We were lucky on our visit, in that we were the only visitors that morning and were able to have a privately-guided tour by the park ranger.

 

Looking around the field, in August, it was difficult to picture a foot of snow on the ground and 50 lodges (teepees) throughout the vicinity.

 

It was also sobering to imagine the massacre that occurred where we stood. To call it a battle seems unjustified, given the nature of the attack. The ranger did an excellent job of telling us the history of the area and the battle that ensued. He was also pleased that we had Logan participate in the walk and lesson, even those he’s only three years old, and that Logan was not just along for the ride with an electronic device stuck to his face.

 

If you’re ever in western Oklahoma, enjoy19th century US history and want to be disgusted at white people, visiting the battle site should definitely be on your agenda!