7-1-08 Washita Battlefield will be open during the Fourth of July Holiday

Date: July 1, 2008

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
will be open for Fourth of July Holiday

The visitor center for Washita Battlefield National Historic will be open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm during the federal holiday on Friday, July 4. At the new center, which is just west of Cheyenne, Oklahoma on Highway 47A, park rangers will be on hand to tell visitors about the attack in 1868. The visitor center also features exhibits, a Western National Parks Association bookstore, and a 26-minute film titled Destiny at Dawn.

Summer Programs
On weekends throughout the summer, the park is continuing to offer interpretative talks at the park’s overlook on Highway 47A. The talks start at 9, 10, and 11:00 am and at 2, 3, and 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday through the Labor Day weekend.

In addition to the talks, park rangers are leading walking tours along the interpretative trail at 9:30 am each Saturday through the Labor Day weekend. The 1 ½ hour-long guided tours start from the park overlook. Walking tours are also available on other days of the week, depending on staff availability. Call 580-497-2742 to arrange weekday programs and walks. The mowed grass/dirt walking trail is not currently ADA compliant and can be muddy at times. Be prepared for changing weather and environmental conditions. Wear sturdy shoes and bring supplies such as water, hat, jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellant. These items may be purchased in the town of Cheyenne. The park bookstore sells commemorative bottles of water featuring the park’s name.

Park Visitation
Visitation at the park and visitor center has been steady through the spring. During the month of May, 906 people visited the new center. In June, 896 visitors went through the visitor center. Groups visiting the park in May and June included educational groups from Hobart, Corn, Arapaho, Clinton, Sayre, Hammon, and Ada, Oklahoma. Other groups included a “History America Tour” group led by historian Neil Mangum, the Women’s Club from Cheyenne, the Aramithea Club of Elk City, and Girl Scouts from Norman, Oklahoma. Visitors in May and June came from states as far away as Massachusetts, California, Alaska, and Hawaii, and from such countries as Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

For additional information about the historic site please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/waba.