History ETDs

Publication Date

7-27-2002

Abstract

This thesis is a history of the Cherokee Freedmen in Indian Territory from 1866 to 1898. Cherokee Freedmen were the former slaves of the Cherokee Nation of Indians. The position of Black Freedmen in Cherokee society before and after the Civil War differed from those of freedmen from southern states. The future of Freedmen in the Cherokee Nation was one of the many issues used by the Federal government to slowly dismantle Cherokee sovereignty. The purpose of this thesis is to explain the unique position the Cherokee Freedmen held in Indian Territory. Little research has been done concerning this part of American History. The goal of this work is to increase understanding of the history of Blacks in the West. Another aim of this work is to discuss how Cherokee culture and Federal Indian policy impacted the Cherokees treatment of their Freedmen. Cherokee culture and politics of the Federal government made a significant effect on the Freedmen as well. It is goal of this thesis to discuss how these varieties of influences impacted the Cherokee Freedmen the 19th century.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Larry Durwood Ball

Second Committee Member

Ferenc Morton Szasz

Third Committee Member

Margaret Connell-Szasz

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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