This index to the Historical Sketches for Jurisdictional and Subject Headings Used for the Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1880, collection provides the description of what each reel covers. Government Information MAY NOT hold all of these reels. The record in the library catalog describes the extent of our holdings. For help, or to make an appointment to view a reel, email rad@colorado.edu
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, usually known as the Office of Indian Affairs, was established as a separate agency within the War Department in 1824. Congress established the position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1832. The Office of Indian Affairs was transferred in 1849 to the newly created Department of the Interior, where it has remained. In 1947 the Office of Indian Affairs was renamed the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS (CENTRAL OFFICE) AND RELATED RECORDS
The historical sketches are brief histories of the office's many major field units including information on the dates of establishment and discontinuance; tribes and geographical areas of responsibility; locations of headquarters and related units; and names and dates of appointment of superintendents and agents. A detailed analysis of the letters received is part of the descriptive pamphlet for M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1881.
The spreadsheet attached below contains a reel-by-reel description of the complete collection.