Sacred (two photos) / by Dave Hileman

The trees and some shrubs at Washita have bits of cloth tied on branches and trunks. They are placed there by descendants of the Cheyenne who were in the village and done in order to honor their ancestors. There is one in a tree near where Custer stood to direct the battle after riding through the village. There are many more along the river and others scattered across the battlefield site. It is important that they are left alone and there is great meaning for those who place them among the foliage. 

Custer stood on the slight hill just beyond the tree.

Custer stood on the slight hill just beyond the tree.

This tree is right by the ford of the Washita River.

This tree is right by the ford of the Washita River.