October 19-21

Sayre City, Oklahoma

 

After crossing into Oklahoma we discovered a neat little RV Park managed by the city of Sayre. 

 

They offer a site with water and 50 AMP electric for only $12 night through a self-pay honor box. 

 

 

We were the only campers there for a few hours but as the night wore on a few other rigs pulled in, most leaving early the next morning.

While in the area we visited the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Cheyenne.

After stamping my National Parks Passport we watched a film describing the significance of the site. 

The historic site protects and interprets the Southern Cheyenne village of Chief Black Kettle where the Battle of Washita occurred.

 

On November 27, 1868, the village was attacked by the 7^th Cavalry under the command of Lt. Col. George Custer.

During the battle the Cheyenne suffered large numbers of casualties. 

 

 

At the time, the strike was considered by the military as a significant victory aimed at reducing Indian raids on frontier settlements.

After visiting the exhibit hall we walked the small trail around the Native Garden. 

 

The National Park Service has partnered with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes to showcase some of the plants that have been used by native tribes for centuries.

We ended up our visit to the site by driving to the Washita Battlefield Park Trail, a ½ mile from the Visitor Center.  The self guided 1.5 mile trail has numbered stops.  There is a brochure at the entrance to the trail that corresponds with the stops. 

It was a little chilly but a great day for a short hike.