Reinterpreting the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site*

Abstract

abstract. Geographers have long attempted to interpret sacred and symbolic landscapes as representative of the ideals of individuals, communities, and cultures. This article assesses the changing historical and contemporary interpretations of the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and gauges the impact of these conflicting viewpoints. The Washita Valley in western Oklahoma was the location of a November 1868 engagement between U.S. military forces commanded by George Custer and the Cheyenne camp of Black Kettle. Since that date, non‐native narratives have dominated Washita interpretation. Today, plans are being developed to emphasize Cheyenne viewpoints of the Washita and to alter the commemorative landscape of the site in order to better present a balanced historical narrative to visitors. Since 1868 three themes have dominated interpretation of the Washita: conflict, indifference, and memorialization.

Rediscovering our roots: Steps to increase accessibility to and acceptance of people of color in America’s national parks

“…The site's interpretation was shrouded in a misconstrued pro-military narrative that overlooked the slaughter of over 100 Cheyenne women, children, and the elderly at the Black Kettle camp. As such, avoidance of the site was the only way the Cheyenne could actively resist the pro-military narrative that falsely portrayed the past (Hurt 2010). The park has begun adding the views of the Cheyenne people to a previously Euro-American-dominated interpretive program.…”

“…The Cheyenne community were invited to comment on the appearance of the site. This has brought about some change, such as the inclusion of oral histories passed down through Cheyenne families (Hurt 2010). Castillo de San Marcos and Washita Battlefield took the initiative to correctly tell history by working with the communities whose story they tell.…”

“…The past several decades have seen NPS attempt a more equitable and inclusive approach within its parks, with events commemorated at sites such as Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Oklahoma being presented through the viewpoint of the Native peoples that still call the area home in order to balance the historical narrative (Hurt 2010). This is a promising trend that must continue if NPS and its visitor base are to reflect an increasingly diverse America.…”

Public Heritage Communication on American Indian Wars Sites: Policy Improvement and Remaining Challenges

“…The NPS promotes recreation and cultural tourism, as well as education and preservation for the public, which essentially encourages more visits. For many tribal people, fears existed that the site would be developed into a touristic commodity (Hurt, 2010). Funerary custom is a crucial part of intangible cultural heritage, as it is the reflection of belief system, lifestyle and environment.…”

Narratives of the Mother Road: Geographic Themes Along Route 66

“…Memorialization in public spaces typically projects authority and permanence to observers and gives the impression that commemorative landscapes are permanent and impartial, even when they are contested spaces where memory and identity are negotiated amongst disparate groups (Dwyer and Alderman ; Alderman and Inwood ). However, creators often attempt to carefully craft place images and historical narratives that legitimize their historical perspective, recording a selective version of history for consumers (Lowenthal ; Lowenthal ; DeLyser ; Urry ; Foote ; Alderman and Dwyer ; Hurt ). As a result, communities and museums often infuse their physical and symbolic landscapes with historic imagery and interpretation meant to please the consumptive nature of tourists, but that lacks the presentation of multiple perspectives of the past (Hughes ; Johnson ; Schöllmann and others ; Inwood ).…”