“Washita Day,” Remembered

November 21, 2019

By Paragon News Director Paul Joseph –

Last year, on November 27, 2018, Cheyenne Mayor Chris Barton, proclaimed November 27th as ‘Washita Day.’ The purpose was to commemorate the 150th of the Washita, and to encourage local residents and Oklahoma citizens to visit the park annually on November 27th to remember our shared American heritage.

It’s not the 150^th anniversary anymore. That was a major benchmark in American history, the 150^th. But this year is just as special as it’s the 151^st anniversary and Park Ranger Kevin Mohr, the park’s chief of interpretation says it’s just as important to remember what happened and remember those who died that fateful day.

The National Park Service preserves – unimpaired – the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations; and

Mohr says Western Oklahomans should consider taking time this year to walk the newly renovated trail, contemplate our nation’s blessings, give thanks to others, and remember those in our shared history.

In part of the proclamation that Mayor Barton signed last year, it read:

“WHEREAS, Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a unit of National Park Service with a national level of importance and is inherently valuable to society; and

WHEREAS, Washita Battlefield National Historic Site preserves and protects the site of the “Washita Attack” including the natural, cultural, topographic, and scenic resources; and

WHEREAS, November 27, 2018 marked the 150th anniversary of Lt. Col. George A. Custer and his 7th Cavalry attacking the sleeping village of Cheyenne Peace Chief Black Kettle, encamped along the Washita River;

This anniversary is also an opportunity to create a sense of place, share multiple perspectives, provoke cultural understanding, support healing & reconciliation, and remain relevant today and into the future.

Mohr reminds everyone to visit the park before or after the holiday next Thursday because the park is closed on Thanksgiving, one of just a couple days the park is closed.

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