Ep 63 Black Kettle & the Washita Massacre

As Oklahomans, we are familiar with the stories of how the various Native people came to live and be associated with our state. In most cases, ok, probably all, the government swore peace and other provisions through various treaties with Native tribes. Today’s story is one of those. Enter Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne. Famous for stressing the importance of peace, and finding ways to live harmoniously with the ever growing population of white settlers, Black Kettle sought out ways to be nonviolent. Unfortunately, after several lies and broken treaties, many of his tribe members were frustrated. To gain the upper hand, and more land, and to simply rid the area of Natives, a one, Colonel George Custard would enter the scene, leading to one of Indian Territories deadliest battles; the Washita Massacre. Jess tells of the stories of a brave and peace-loving chief, simply trying to do what’s best for his people, all while battling an ambitious American government.  Sources:  “Little Known Tales in Oklahoma History” by Alton Pryor “It Happened In Oklahoma” by Robert L. Dorman Battle of the Washita https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=WA037#:~:text=Black%20Kettle%20and%20an%20indeterminate,rest%20were%20women%20and%20children.) Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-washitabattlefield/ Washita Battlefield https://www.nps.gov/waba/learn/historyculture/index.htm Black Kettle https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/black-kettle-1807-1868 Biography of Black Kettle https://www.nps.gov/sand/learn/historyculture/black-kettle-biography.htm