NOV 27: Custer Attacks Peaceful Cheyenne at Washita

On Nov. 27, 1868, Lt. Col. George A. Custer leads an early morning attack in freezing temperatures on a band of peaceful Cheyenne living with Chief Black Kettle on the Washita River, located outside of present-day Cheyenne, Oklahoma.

An illustration of Custer’s attack on Black Kettle’s Cheyenne village on the Washita River in 1868. (Credit: National Park Service)

Custer reportedly did not attempt to identify which group of Cheyenne was in the village, or make a cursory reconnaissance of the situation. It turns out the village was on reservation soil, where the commander of Fort Cobb had guaranteed the villagers safety.

When the attack concluded, cavalry soldiers had killed 103 Cheyenne, including the peaceful Black Kettle along with many women and children. Nonetheless, it was hailed as the first substantial American victory in the Indian Wars. It also enhanced Custer’s reputation as an aggressive military fighter. But, his daring habit of charging into native American encampments of unknown strength would cost him eight years later at the Battle of Litle Bighorn.