Drum LbNA #13806

The Drum was chosen to be the state's official percussive musical instrument in 1993. Because of its ties to our native american citizens, We thought placing this particular letterbox near the Washita Battlefield in Western Oklahoma. This was the site of what has been called the "dress rehearsal" for the battle of the Little Big Horn (eight years later). General Custer led the attack which resulted in the death of Black Kettle - the Prominent Peace Chief of the Cheyenne. He had signed 3 peace treaties with the US government and he had been attacked at the Sand Creek Massacre where his wife, Medicine Woman Later had survived 9 wounds. She was killed at the Washita with her husband.
Take I-40 to the Sayre exit (#20). Go North on US Highway 283 approximately 22 miles to Cheyenne. If time allows, visit the Black Kettle Museum in Cheyenne, and stop by the office of the Washita National Battlefield headquarters across the street. Then drive out to the battlefield, west on state highway 47. Drive into the overlook parking area and park. Go up to the overlook and read the information. Note the trailhead directly below. This is a fairly easy trail...certainly kid friendly, but dogs - even on leashes- are not allowed. There is a self guided tour program available at the overlook. Start down the trail, stopping to read at each of the stations. You'll cross an abandoned railroad right of way. Between The Escape and before Pony Kill you'll come to a choice of staying on the upper trail (go right) or going on the lower trail (left). The choice is yours, but before you proceed, do you hear the drum? It is under a rock about one foot off the trail in the V of unmowed grass in the fork of these two trails.

Happy Questing!