Reservation Era Begins 1850-1878

1872

General Mining Act allows the staking of Indian lands without consent

Prospector defends his claim. Image: J. Ross Browne; Harper's Monthly Magazine
Prospector defends his claim. Image: J. Ross Browne; Harper's Monthly Magazine

U.S. President Grant signs the Mining Act into law, which allows individuals and corporations to stake claims on Indian land without informing or consulting tribes. Miners immediately start staking claims and utilize this law to take Indian lands (Native Voices, “1872: General Mining Act gives rise to the taking of tribal lands").

Settler Colonial Policy

View Full Timeline View References