Cordell, Okla.

Washita County, located in the state of Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back many centuries. Prior to European settlement, the land that would become Washita County was inhabited by Indigenous tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne. These tribes relied on the region's bountiful natural resources for sustenance and traded with neighboring tribes.

In the 1800s, the area saw an influx of settlers as the United States government sought to encourage westward expansion. The 1862 Homestead Act attracted many pioneers to the region, with several families establishing small farms and ranches along the Washita River. The establishment of stagecoach routes and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated the growth and development of the county.

Washita County experienced some significant historical events during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1868, the Battle of Washita River occurred, in which the U.S. Army, led by General George Armstrong Custer, attacked a Cheyenne village along the river. This event marked a brutal chapter in the history of Indigenous relations with the U.S. government.

Throughout the 20th century, Washita County continued to evolve. Agriculture remained a key economic driver, with wheat, cotton, and cattle being important commodities. The discovery of oil and gas in the county in the 1920s brought further economic growth and development. Today, Washita County is a thriving community that strives to honor its past while embracing a future of progress and prosperity.