WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Park Service (NPS) has named the first superintendent of the Washita National Battlefield Historic Site, according to Congressman Frank Lucas.

Sarah L. Craighead, a 17-year veteran of the NPS, will start her new job in western Oklahoma on October 12. Ms. Craighead comes to the Washita site from Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, where she has been assistant chief of interpretation since July, 1994. She has also worked at Mammoth Cave National Park, Independence National Historic Site, Acadia National Park, Okmulgee National Monument and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

"I'm delighted the Park Service has tapped an individual with such an impressive background to serve as the first superintendent at the Washita site," Lucas said. "Sarah Craighead has a great challenge ahead, and I know Oklahomans will welcome her and provide great aid in her new role."

Lucas led the effort in Congress to designate the Roger Mills County site of the November, 1868 Battle of the Washita -- where Lt. Col. George Custer and his 7th U.S. Cavalry massacred the Cheyenne tribe of Peace Chief Black Kettle -- as a national historic site. The site is significant as a symbol of the frontier military history and the struggle of the plains Indian tribes to maintain control of their traditional use area.