Date of Award
4-2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History
Abstract
This study examines a large Indian encampment that was made part of an exposition held in Omaha, Nebraska in 1898. Relying almost exclusively on primary sources such as the two major newspapers in Omaha at the time, the World-Herald and the Bee, I attempt to uncover the diverse images cast by Indian delegates during their three month stay at the fair.· As well, I investigate reasons why Omaha seemed the perfect site to hold the Indian Congress and what incentives the natives had for attending. The long-term significance of the gathering, I conclude, lay mostly in the forum it created for the exchange of ideas between so many different tribes. And, at a time when traditional dances and dress were under fire from the federal government's assimilationist campaign, the congress created an environment in which Indians could wear traditional clothing and dance without fear of reprisal.
Recommended Citation
Clough, Josh, "Bronze sons of the forest on display : images of American Indians at the 1898 Transmississippi and International Exposition" (2000). Honors Theses. 353.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/353