Few know of this battle site located in Western Oklahoma. It occurs about 10 years before Custer leads his troops into the Little Big Horn. At Washita Custer surrounds and brings troopers from three directions on a village of Cheyenne lead by Black Kettle. The chief was leading the effort to make peace in the region but was killed along with his wife as they tried to escape across the river. It was winter and in deep snow. Custer along with taking about 50 prisoners, children and women, killed 800 ponies, the indians lifeline. Not a proud moment in US history. There are two photos here, the first is the site of the village, the other from Custer's perspective on a small mound as he directed the troops. The river is along the tree line.
