Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife)
Colonel Ranald Mackenzie (Texas Parks and Wildlife)
Lone Wolf, Kiowa (National Archives and Records Administration)
Iron Shirt, Cheyenne (Kansas Historical Society)
Battlesite at the Junction of Ceta Blanca and Palo Duro Canyons by Ben Carleton Mead (UTSA Special Collections Library)
Palo Duro Canyon in Randall County is the site of the most decisive battle for the Southern Plains. Small bands of Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche Indians set up camps in Palo Duro Canyon, hoping for protection from the U.S. Cavalry pursuing them. Instead, they were met with a surprise attack and ultimate defeat at the hands of Col. Ranald Mackenzie and his troops. Listen to the story by playing the audio track.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country, a portion of which is now a 30,000-acre state park whose Interpretive Center offers exhibits on the battle and the canyon’s natural and cultural heritage.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Admission: $8/daily
- 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX
- 806-488-2227
- Visit Website
