Tribal Delegations at the White House
ca. 1857
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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.
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.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 528791
Full Citation: Photograph 111-B-4669; White House, delegation of Indians on grounds, Washington, D.C. ; ca. 1857; Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/white-house-delegations, May 12, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
