Sovereign Nation Era Ends 1800-1827

At the beginning of the 1800s, more than 80 percent of the current contiguous lower 48 states is in Indian hands (Nies, 1996). However, the U.S. becomes more powerful and...Read More

Viewing Settler Colonial Policy Events OnlyClear

1801

Federal policy of land acquisition through Indian debt

President Thomas Jefferson actively encourages territorial governors to do all they can to acquire Indian...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1802

Civilization campaign formalized in policy

Congress appropriates $10,000 for “civilization” of Indians.

Settler Colonial Policy
1803

Louisiana “Purchase”

The U.S. “purchases” Louisiana from France. Indians of Louisiana now must contend with U.S.-imposed settler...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1803

Congress orders medical care for Native peoples

The federal government formally assigns the responsibility for providing medical care for Native peoples to...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1803-1804

Indian removal policy progresses

Thomas Jefferson drafts a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress to trade land west of the Mississippi...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1809

“Whiskey Treaty” of Fort Wayne signed

A process of fraud, embezzlement of lands, and use of alcohol is used to negotiate...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1815

U.S. prohibits ceding of Native lands to any other international power

This government policy narrows tribal negotiating power to leverage strategic alliances with other foreign powers....Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1816

U.S. restricts trading licenses with Indians to U.S. citizens

This impacts tribes’ ability to negotiate with foreign powers.

Settler Colonial Policy
1817

First action to remove Indians from their lands

Cherokee land in Georgia is exchanged for territory in present-day Oklahoma, foreshadowing American Indian removal...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1818

First Alaskan hospital opens; refuses services to Alaska Natives

A new hospital in Sitka only serves Russian-American Company workers and settlers, not Alaska Natives...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1819

U.S. pays missionaries to “civilize” Native Americans

Congress passes the Civilization Fund Act to promote “education” for Native Americans and to stimulate...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1820

First plans for Indian removal

With threats of genocide, the Treaty of Doak’s Stand is signed, and the Choctaw cede...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1822

Final official invitation for Indian leaders to meet with U.S. president

This is the last time tribal leaders receive an invitation to meet the president (James...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1823

Supreme Court cites Doctrine of Discovery, rules American Indians do not own land

The Supreme Court decides the first of three major cases (the Marshall Trilogy) that set...Read More

Traumatic Event Settler Colonial Policy
1823-1824

Bureau of Indian Affairs created within the War Department

The Office of Indian Affairs (later the Bureau of Indian Affairs) is created within the...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy
1825

Andrew Jackson lays groundwork for reservation system

In “Indian Treaties, and Laws and Regulations Relating to Indian Affairs,” Jackson advocates for reservation...Read More

Settler Colonial Policy

Investing in Native Communities

A joint project of Native Americans in Philanthropy and Candid

History Through a Native Lens

Select Era:

Tribal Independence Era

Epidemics, Slavery, Massacres, and Indigenous Resistance

Invasion from All Directions—Stolen Lands, Stolen Peoples

Strategic Alliances and Trail of Broken Treaties

Sovereign Nation Era Ends

Indian Removal Era Begins

Reservation Era Begins

Boarding School and Land Allotment Eras

Indian New Deal, Tribal Termination, and Urban Relocation

Indian Self-Determination and Self-Governance Era

Sovereign Nation Era Ends 1800-1827

Federal policy of land acquisition through Indian debt

Civilization campaign formalized in policy

Louisiana “Purchase”

Congress orders medical care for Native peoples

Indian removal policy progresses

“Whiskey Treaty” of Fort Wayne signed

U.S. prohibits ceding of Native lands to any other international power

U.S. restricts trading licenses with Indians to U.S. citizens

First action to remove Indians from their lands

First Alaskan hospital opens; refuses services to Alaska Natives

U.S. pays missionaries to “civilize” Native Americans

First plans for Indian removal

Final official invitation for Indian leaders to meet with U.S. president

Supreme Court cites Doctrine of Discovery, rules American Indians do not own land

Bureau of Indian Affairs created within the War Department

Andrew Jackson lays groundwork for reservation system

Take Action

Share Your Knowledge

Sign Up For Updates