Tribal Delegations at the White House

The original caption for this photograph, taken by photographer Mathew Brady's studio, reads: White House, delegation of Indians on grounds, Washington, D.C. It is speculated to be one of the earliest known photographs of American Indians in Washington, showing Pawnee, Ponca, Potawatomi, and Sac and Fox delegations, who had come to meet with President James Buchanan.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Native American leaders traveled to Washington, DC, to defend tribal interests against the pressures of an ever-expanding United States. Delegations arrived at the capital assuming they would negotiate as equals. However the Government, through demonstrations of its wealth and power—such as military displays—hoped to convince them of the futility in resisting its demands. Nonetheless, many tribal leaders traveled to Washington multiple times and became skilled negotiators for their tribes.