“On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th U.S. Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle.” (from the Washita Battlefield website)
There is a small museum that helps you understand the importance of the area and what happened there.
Short walk near the visitor center that has a lot of information on the area.
A couple miles from the visitor center is the battlefield site.
There is a walking tour that you can take on the battlefield.
I highly recommend it.
There is nothing like reading the history as you walk in the same place it happened.
This space feels sacred.
If you want a quiet moment to reflect this is the place to do it.
Some of our history is sad but I want to learn that also.
I really enjoy going to Woolaroc during one of their events.
We have gone to several over the years and the spring traders encampment did not disappoint.
After a pretty, but long drive, we stopped at the little gas station right by the entrance to get out and stretch our legs.
They have several types of animals that live on the ranch.
I have seen the most in the winter.
They appeared to be close to the road due to being fed in the winter.
Other parts like the petting zoo are not usually open though in the winter but if you are wanting to see the heards that live on the ranch winter has been the best time for me so far.
They had so many people camping there!
Some are maybe just wanting to have the experience as opposed to wanting to teach you about it.
I have found you can tell pretty quickly who wants to share history with you.
They are enthusiastic and start talking right away and seem to love questions.
Just be respectful of people that maybe just want to enjoy the experience themselves.
They had a lot of people selling things which of course my kids loved.
They all wanted everything pretty much…
Little bit had already heard some musket fire and was covering her ears.
I had my second oldest wear our gopro to get his point of view of the event.
It was so much fun to look at later!
I posted a short clip on youtube which I will share at the end of this post.
Most of the footage I cannot share because we had a little friend with us that is in it.
I love events that make you feel like you have stepped back in time.
It makes history come alive!
This couple was great with the kids!
So happy to answer questions and demonstrate!
I am so thankful for people like them that help make history interesting.
A big gust of wind came and blew a bunch of stuff away, including his hat.
Which hit me right in the head.
Ha!
I am just really glad it was only a hat!
Muskets are loud!
Little bit tends to hate loud noises, unless she is making them of course.
This little guy almost got stepped on by us!
I am surprised he did not hide right away from my noisy group.
