Battle of the Washita
Historical marker location:
Cheyenne, Oklahoma
( Marker is on L. L. Males Boulevard (U.S. 283) near Clay Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)
Marker installed: 1949
On November 27, 1868, Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th Cavalry in an attack on Chief Black Kettle's camp on the Washita River. The surprise, early-morning attack decimated the Cheyenne camp and no doubt was the seed for Custer's later meeting with American Indians at the Battle of Little Big Horn
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During the Great Depression, thousands of farmers in Oklahoma were displaced from their land due to drought and dust storms. Many of these farmers migrated to California in search of work, a journey that became known as the "Okie migration."
About Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County Timeline
Roger Mills County is located in western Oklahoma, named after Roger Quarles Mills, a Texas state senator and prominent lawyer. The area that is now Roger Mills County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Cheyenne tribes. European settlers began to move into the region in the late 1800s, attracted by the promise of free land through the Homestead Act of 1862.
The county was officially established in 1892, with Cheyenne selected as the county seat. The early years of the county were challenging, with settlers facing harsh weather conditions and limited resources. However, the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s brought prosperity to Roger Mills County. Oil companies established operations in the area, bringing jobs and economic growth.
Throughout the 20th century, Roger Mills County experienced both boom and bust periods. The county's economy relied heavily on oil and agriculture, with farmers cultivating wheat, cotton, and raising cattle. However, the region faced economic challenges during the Great Depression and later during the oil industry downturns.
Today, Roger Mills County is known for its natural beauty, including the picturesque landscapes of the Black Kettle National Grassland and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. Agriculture and energy remain important industries in the county, supporting the local economy. The county continues to preserve its rich history and promote tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into its past and a chance to explore its natural wonders.
The county was officially established in 1892, with Cheyenne selected as the county seat. The early years of the county were challenging, with settlers facing harsh weather conditions and limited resources. However, the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s brought prosperity to Roger Mills County. Oil companies established operations in the area, bringing jobs and economic growth.
Throughout the 20th century, Roger Mills County experienced both boom and bust periods. The county's economy relied heavily on oil and agriculture, with farmers cultivating wheat, cotton, and raising cattle. However, the region faced economic challenges during the Great Depression and later during the oil industry downturns.
Today, Roger Mills County is known for its natural beauty, including the picturesque landscapes of the Black Kettle National Grassland and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. Agriculture and energy remain important industries in the county, supporting the local economy. The county continues to preserve its rich history and promote tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into its past and a chance to explore its natural wonders.
Roger Mills County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Roger Mills County, Oklahoma.
- 1875 - Roger Mills County is established
- 1889 - Land run occurs
- 1892 - County seat moves from Cheyenne to Redmoon
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state
- 1911 - County seat moves back to Cheyenne
- 1939 - Black Kettle National Grassland is established
- 1981 - National Register of Historic Places includes the Cheyenne-Arapaho Agency
- 2000 - National Register of Historic Places includes the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site