November 12, 1996 Establishing Legislation (Public Law 104-333)
In order to provide for the preservation and interpretation of the Battle of the Washita, there is hereby established the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in the State of Oklahoma.
Purpose:
The purpose of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is to preserve and protect the site of the “Battle of the Washita” including the natural, cultural, topographic, and scenic resources; and to promote public understanding of the attack and importance of the diverse perspectives related to the struggles that transpired between the Southern Great Plains tribes and the U.S. government.
Significance:
1. The attack of the Cheyenne encampment along the Washita River was the first implementation of a strategy adopted by the U.S. Army, resulting from the failures of the treaty system, to strike encampments of Plains Indians during the winter months when they were most vulnerable.
2. The attack at Washita was a pivotal point for the Cheyenne and other Southern Great Plains tribes in that it symbolized their struggles to maintain the freedom of their traditional way of life and their realization that their lives were changing.
3. The events at Washita greatly impacted two prominent leaders: Chief Black Kettle, widely known for his pursuit of peaceful coexistence with whites, was killed; Lt. Col. George Custer, already known for his exploits during the Civil War, acquired a reputation as an aggressive Indian fighter.
4. Washita is a deeply meaningful place and has spiritual significance to the Cheyenne and Arapaho people. It is a place to show respect for all lives that were lost and offers opportunities for education, healing, and reconciliation.
5. The natural and physical resources of the Washita site, including the topography, scenic views, and vegetation, retain the character of the landscape at the time of the attack, enabling visitors to visualize the event.
