Black Kettle National Grasslands

Peace Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne was shot and killed in 1868 by the U.S. 7th Cavalry while fleeing a surprise attack led by General Custer. This grassland containing 31,286 acres is named after the Cheyenne leader who died in the nearby Washita River. After the era of Custer much of this area was taken away from the Native Americans. Ironically, bad farming practices contributed to the Dust Bowl. Today, it is a place of recreation far removed from the 1800s and early 1900s. There are three recreational areas with lakes as well as hiking, horseback riding, primitive camping, and wildlife-watching. (Submitted by CJ Boales)