National Archives

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau

National Archives – Freedmen’s Bureau Records

National Archives – Civil War Military Records

https://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war

Library of Congress Digital Collections

https://www.loc.gov/collections

Penn Center (St. Helena Island, South Carolina)

https://www.penncenter.com

South Carolina Department of Archives & History

https://scdah.sc.gov

Georgia Archives

https://www.georgiaarchives.org

North Carolina State Archives

https://archives.ncdcr.gov

Florida Memory (Florida State Archives)

https://www.floridamemory.com

These are the primary federal, state, and archival repositories used by historians and genealogists researching Gullah Geechee history, genealogy, land ownership, military service, and Reconstruction.

Cherokee Freedmen

National Archives – Wallace Rolls of Cherokee Freedmen (1890–1896)
- Lists authenticated Cherokee Freedmen, admitted Freedmen, questioned applicants, family information, ages, residences, and citizenship investigations.
National Archives – Kern-Clifton Roll of Cherokee Freedmen (1897)
- Compiled to correct and supplement the Wallace Rolls; includes family groups, ages, sex, district of residence, and enrollment information.
National Archives – Dawes Commission Records
- Includes the Final Rolls for the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole Nations, including Freedmen rolls.
National Archives – Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Rolls
- Gateway to Indian Census Rolls, Dawes Rolls, Cherokee Freedmen rolls, removal rolls, allotment rolls, and other BIA records.

Creek (Muscogee) Freedmen

These collections include:

Creek Freedmen enrollment
Dawes Census Cards
Land allotments
Indian Census Rolls
Muscogee records preserved by the federal government.

Choctaw Freedmen

Official records include:

These contain:

Choctaw Freedmen enrollment
Census cards
Allotments
Family records
Federal enrollment records.

Chickasaw Freedmen

Official archives:

These include Chickasaw enrollment records, allotments, census cards, and related documentation.

Lumbee

Key official sources include:

North Carolina State Archives
Library of Congress Collections
Congressional bills concerning Lumbee recognition
Tribal government archives

Brass Ankles

There is no single federal archive devoted to the Brass Ankles because they were not a federally recognized tribe. Research relies on:

South Carolina Department of Archives and History
County land records
Church registers
Court records
Census schedules
Tax records
Historical newspapers

Redbones

Primary sources include:

Louisiana State Archives
Texas State Library and Archives
Parish and county deed books
Military records
Census schedules
Court records

Melungeons

Primary historical sources include:

Virginia State Library
Tennessee State Library and Archives
North Carolina State Archives
Census schedules
Church records
Court proceedings
Land grants
Probate records

Modern DNA studies can complement genealogy but should be presented separately from historical records.

Nanticoke Moors

Research sources include:

Delaware Public Archives
Census records
Church records
Land records
State recognition documents
Local historical societies

Treaty of 1866 Collection

1. Cherokee Treaty of 1866

Official Source (Library of Congress)

https://www.loc.gov/resource/llsalvol.llsal_007/?st=gallery

Official Source (Oklahoma State University)

https://treaties.okstate.edu/treaties/treaty-with-the-cherokee-1866-0942

Relevant Articles

Article 4 (Freedmen citizenship)
Article 9 (Land)
Education
Civil rights
Nation rebuilding

2. Creek (Muscogee) Treaty of 1866

Official Source

https://treaties.okstate.edu/treaties/treaty-with-the-creeks-1866-0931

Contains

Freedmen citizenship
Land cessions
Rights
Nation reconstruction

3. Choctaw & Chickasaw Treaty of 1866

Official Source

https://treaties.okstate.edu/treaties/treaty-with-the-choctaw-and-chickasaw-1866-0918

Contains

Freedmen provisions
Land
Citizenship negotiations
Education
Federal relations

4. Seminole Treaty of 1866

Official Source

https://treaties.okstate.edu/treaties/treaty-with-the-seminole-1866-0910

Contains

Seminole Freedmen
Citizenship
Land
Nation reconstruction

National Archives

Library of Congress

Indian Treaties Collection

https://www.loc.gov/collections/indian-land-cessions-in-the-united-states

Congressional Documents

Congress.gov

https://www.congress.gov

Search terms:

Cherokee Freedmen
Creek Freedmen
Choctaw Freedmen
Chickasaw Freedmen
Seminole Freedmen

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Official website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/dawes

Search:

Tribal enrollment
Historical records
Genealogy
Indian census
Agency records

Dawes Commission Records (1893–1914)

Official National Archives Collection

The Dawes Commission (Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes) was established by the United States Government in 1893 to create official citizenship rolls for the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). These records are among the most important primary sources for researching the history of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole Nations, including the enrollment of Freedmen and their descendants.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

This is the National Archives’ primary portal for Dawes Commission records.

Dawes Records Guide

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/dawes/dawes-records.html

This guide explains the history of the Dawes Commission and describes the major record collections available to researchers.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Rolls

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

This National Archives collection provides access to numerous federal tribal rolls, including:

Dawes Rolls
Indian Census Rolls
Wallace Roll of Cherokee Freedmen
Kern-Clifton Roll of Cherokee Freedmen
Baker Roll
Guion Miller Roll
Allotment Rolls
Removal Rolls
Judgment Rolls
Annuity Rolls

These records were created through treaties, legislation, allotments, removals, and other federal administrative actions.

Wallace Roll of Cherokee Freedmen

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls/wallace.html

The Wallace Roll documents Cherokee Freedmen and their descendants and is an important historical source for genealogy and Cherokee citizenship research.

Kern-Clifton Roll of Cherokee Freedmen (1897)

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls/kern-clifton.html

Compiled to correct omissions and discrepancies in the Wallace Roll, the Kern-Clifton Roll lists Cherokee Freedmen, family members, ages, districts of residence, and related enrollment information.

Final Dawes Rolls

The Final Dawes Rolls contain approved enrollment records for members of the Five Civilized Tribes, including:

Cherokee by Blood
Cherokee Freedmen
Creek (Muscogee) Freedmen
Choctaw Freedmen
Chickasaw Freedmen
Seminole Freedmen
Delaware adopted by the Cherokee
Mississippi Choctaw
Citizens by Marriage

Each record may include:

Name
Roll Number
Census Card Number
Age
Sex
Family relationships
Enrollment classification

Dawes Enrollment (Census) Cards

The Enrollment Cards (also called Census Cards) frequently contain:

Entire family groups
Parents
Children
Marriages
Births
Death annotations
Residences
Tribal enrollment information
Cross references to relatives

For many Freedmen records, the cards also include historical information recorded during the enrollment process concerning formerly enslaved individuals and their families.

Enrollment Jackets (Applications)

Enrollment Jackets often include:

Original applications
Sworn testimony
Witness statements
Correspondence
Affidavits
Family history
Supporting evidence
Appeals

These records are among the richest genealogical sources preserved by the National Archives.

Land Allotment Jackets

Land Allotment Jackets may include:

Legal land descriptions
Allotment maps
Property improvements
Correspondence
Notices of contested allotments
Family references

These files document the federal allotment process that followed enrollment.

Library of Congress Research Guide

Website

https://guides.loc.gov/native-americans/rolls

The Library of Congress provides a research guide explaining how to locate and use Dawes Rolls, Indian Census Rolls, Baker Rolls, Guion Miller Rolls, Wallace Rolls, Kern-Clifton Rolls, and related federal records.

Additional National Archives Research Portal

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/census

This portal serves as the National Archives’ central access point for American Indian and Alaska Native records, research guides, and historical collections.

Historical Importance

The Dawes Commission records remain some of the most significant federal records for researching citizenship, family genealogy, land allotments, and the historical experiences of the Five Civilized Tribes and their Freedmen. Today, historians, genealogists, tribal citizens, and researchers continue to rely on these collections to document family histories and better understand the historical development of these communities.

Indian Census Rolls (1885–1940)

Official National Archives Collection

The Indian Census Rolls (1885–1940) are annual census records created by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). These records document thousands of Native American individuals and families across numerous tribes and agencies throughout the United States. They are an important primary source for genealogy, family history, tribal research, and historical documentation.

The census rolls were compiled by local Indian agents and typically recorded individuals living under the jurisdiction of a particular agency during each census year.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

The National Archives provides an overview of the Indian Census Rolls, explains how they were created, and describes where the original records are housed.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Records

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

The National Archives maintains numerous Bureau of Indian Affairs records, including census rolls, agency correspondence, school records, allotment records, and enrollment documents.

National Archives Native American Research Portal

Website

Researchers can access additional tribal rolls and related records, including:

Indian Census Rolls
Dawes Rolls
Wallace Roll
Kern-Clifton Roll
Baker Roll
Guion Miller Roll
Removal Rolls
Allotment Rolls
Judgment Rolls
Annuity Rolls

Family Information Commonly Found

Indian Census Rolls frequently include:

Full Name
Census Number
Age
Sex
Date of Birth (in later years)
Relationship to Head of Household
Marital Status
Tribal Affiliation
Agency
Reservation
Family Members
Residence
Death Notations (occasionally)
Transfers Between Agencies

Historical Research Uses

Researchers commonly use the Indian Census Rolls to:

Document family genealogy
Trace multiple generations
Locate ancestors
Verify tribal agency residence
Study migration patterns
Research community development
Connect family groups
Support historical research

Bureau of Indian Affairs Agencies

The census rolls were organized by BIA agency rather than by state. Examples include:

Cherokee Agency
Creek Agency
Choctaw Agency
Chickasaw Agency
Seminole Agency
Navajo Agency
Osage Agency
Kiowa Agency
Numerous additional tribal agencies across the United States.

Historical Significance

Unlike a single federal census, the Indian Census Rolls were compiled nearly every year for more than five decades. This allows researchers to follow individuals and families through time, making the collection one of the most valuable resources for Native American genealogy and historical research.

When used together with Dawes Commission records, land allotment records, treaty documents, military records, and tribal enrollment records, the Indian Census Rolls provide a more complete picture of the lives and communities of Native peoples during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Additional Research Resources

National Archives Native American Research

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/census

National Archives Indian Census Rolls

National Archives Tribal Rolls

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

Library of Congress Native American Research Guides

https://guides.loc.gov/native-americans

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers, historians, genealogists, and families to consult original federal records whenever possible. The Indian Census Rolls are preserved as historical documents and provide valuable insight into family history, community development, and the historical experiences of Native peoples. These records should be interpreted within their historical context and, where appropriate, supplemented with tribal records, oral histories, local archives, and additional primary sources.

Guion Miller Roll (1906–1910)

Official National Archives Collection

The Guion Miller Roll was created following a decision by the United States Court of Claims regarding payments awarded to eligible Eastern Cherokee descendants under treaties between the Cherokee Nation and the United States. Between 1906 and 1910, Special Commissioner Guion Miller reviewed thousands of applications submitted by individuals claiming Cherokee ancestry.

Today, these records remain one of the most valuable federal genealogical collections for researching Cherokee ancestry and family history.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls/guion-miller-rolls

The National Archives explains the history of the Guion Miller Roll, the application process, and the records preserved within the collection.

National Archives Native American Rolls

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

The Guion Miller Roll is one of several important federal Native American record collections maintained by the National Archives.

National Archives Native American Research

Website

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1924996

This research portal provides access to numerous historical collections relating to Native American genealogy and federal records.

FamilySearch Digital Collection

Website

FamilySearch provides a searchable digital index of many Guion Miller applications and supporting records for genealogical research.

Ancestry Research Collection

Website

Ancestry provides searchable indexes and digitized images of Guion Miller applications for subscribers.

What the Records May Include

Applications frequently contain:

Applicant’s full name
Parents’ names
Grandparents’ names
Great-grandparents (in some cases)
Birth dates
Birthplaces
Marriage information
Children’s names
Siblings
Previous residences
Family migrations
Witness testimony
Affidavits
Supporting correspondence
Tribal claims
Reasons for approval or rejection

Historical Importance

Even applications that were denied often contain extensive genealogical information. Researchers frequently use these records to reconstruct family histories, identify ancestral communities, trace migration patterns, and compare family information with census records, Dawes Commission records, Indian Census Rolls, military records, and land records.

Related National Archives Collections

Researchers often consult the Guion Miller Roll together with:

Dawes Commission Records
Indian Census Rolls
Wallace Roll
Kern-Clifton Roll
Baker Roll
Eastern Cherokee Applications
Removal Rolls
Land Allotment Records

Additional Research Resources

National Archives Native American Research

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

National Archives Tribal Rolls

National Archives Guion Miller Roll

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls/guion-miller-rolls

FamilySearch

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1924996

Ancestry

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

Historical Preservation Statement

The Guion Miller Roll is an important historical and genealogical resource that documents applications submitted by individuals seeking recognition as descendants of the Eastern Cherokee for the purpose of sharing in a court-awarded fund. Inclusion in, or exclusion from, the roll reflects the specific legal standards and evidence applied to those claims at the time and should not be interpreted as the sole measure of a person’s ancestry or community identity. Researchers are encouraged to compare these records with census records, treaty records, tribal documents, land records, local archives, and family histories to develop a more complete understanding of their genealogy.

Baker Roll of the Eastern Cherokee (1924–1929)

Official National Archives Collection

The Baker Roll was compiled by Special Indian Agent Fred A. Baker between 1924 and 1929. It served as the basis for identifying members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians following the Baker Act of 1924. Today, the Baker Roll remains one of the principal historical records used in research concerning the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is an important resource for genealogy and family history.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

The National Archives includes information on the Baker Roll within its Native American Rolls research resources and provides guidance on related federal tribal records.

National Archives Native American Research

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

This portal provides access to federal records relating to Native American genealogy, tribal enrollment, census records, military records, and historical documentation.

National Archives Native American Rolls

Website

Researchers can access information about numerous historical roll collections, including:

Baker Roll
Dawes Rolls
Guion Miller Roll
Wallace Roll
Kern-Clifton Roll
Indian Census Rolls
Removal Rolls
Allotment Rolls
Judgment Rolls
Annuity Rolls

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Official Website

https://ebci.com

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians provides information regarding tribal enrollment requirements, history, government, and genealogy resources.

Family Information Commonly Found

Depending on the record, Baker Roll documentation may include:

Full name
Roll number
Age
Sex
Date of birth
Parents
Spouse
Children
Residence
Family relationships
Enrollment information

Historical Importance

The Baker Roll became the foundational membership roll for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians during the twentieth century. It continues to be an important historical source for genealogists, historians, and families researching Cherokee ancestry. Researchers often compare Baker Roll records with Dawes Commission records, Indian Census Rolls, Guion Miller applications, treaty records, military records, and local historical archives.

Related Historical Collections

Researchers frequently consult the Baker Roll alongside:

Dawes Commission Records
Indian Census Rolls
Guion Miller Roll
Wallace Roll
Kern-Clifton Roll
Cherokee Census Records
Land Allotment Records
Bureau of Indian Affairs Records

Additional Research Resources

National Archives Native American Research

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

National Archives Tribal Rolls

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

https://ebci.com

Historical Preservation Statement

The Baker Roll is an important historical record documenting enrollment within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians during the 1920s. Like other federal and tribal enrollment records, it reflects the legal standards and administrative practices of its time. It should be used alongside treaties, census records, tribal records, land records, military records, local archives, and family histories to support comprehensive historical and genealogical research.

Eastern Cherokee Applications (1906–1909)

Official National Archives Collection

The Eastern Cherokee Applications were submitted between 1906 and 1909 by individuals seeking to share in funds awarded by the United States Court of Claims to eligible Eastern Cherokee descendants. More than 45,000 applications were filed, representing over 90,000 individuals. Even when an application was rejected, it often preserved extensive genealogical information that is invaluable to historians and family researchers.

Today, these applications remain one of the largest collections of Native American genealogical records maintained by the federal government.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

The National Archives provides research guidance for the Eastern Cherokee Applications and related federal enrollment records.

National Archives Native American Research

Website

This research portal provides access to numerous historical collections relating to Native American genealogy, enrollment, census records, treaties, military records, and tribal documentation.

National Archives Catalog

Website

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1924996

The National Archives Catalog contains digitized records and descriptions for many Native American collections, including Eastern Cherokee Applications and related records. Researchers can search by name, roll number, application number, tribe, or record group.

FamilySearch Collection

Website

FamilySearch provides searchable indexes and digitized images for many Eastern Cherokee Applications and Guion Miller records.

Ancestry Collection

Website

Ancestry offers searchable indexes and digitized images of the Eastern Cherokee Applications and related Guion Miller records for subscribers.

Information Commonly Found

Applications frequently contain:

Applicant’s full name
Application number
Parents’ names
Grandparents’ names
Great-grandparents (when provided)
Birth dates
Birthplaces
Marriage information
Children’s names
Siblings
Residences
Migration history
Family Bible references
Witness testimony
Affidavits
Correspondence
Supporting documentation
Reasons for approval or rejection

Historical Importance

The Eastern Cherokee Applications preserve one of the richest collections of family history ever assembled for Native American genealogical research. Because applicants were often required to explain their ancestry in detail, these files frequently include multiple generations of family relationships, migration histories, and supporting evidence that cannot be found in many other federal records.

Researchers commonly compare these applications with:

Dawes Commission Records
Indian Census Rolls
Guion Miller Roll
Baker Roll
Treaty Records
Land Allotment Records
Bureau of Indian Affairs Records
Military Records
Federal Census Records

Additional Research Resources

National Archives Native American Research

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

National Archives Tribal Rolls

National Archives Catalog

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1924996

FamilySearch

Ancestry

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau

Historical Preservation Statement

The Eastern Cherokee Applications provide a remarkable historical record of thousands of families seeking to document Cherokee ancestry in the early twentieth century. While these applications were created for a specific legal claims process and do not alone determine tribal citizenship or ancestry, they are an essential primary source for genealogy and historical research. Researchers are encouraged to use these records alongside treaties, census records, tribal documents, military records, land records, and local archives to develop a more complete understanding of family and community history.

Freedmen’s Bureau Records (1865–1872)

Official National Archives Collection

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau, was established by Congress on March 3, 1865, near the end of the Civil War. The Bureau assisted formerly enslaved people and refugees throughout the Reconstruction era by administering relief programs, labor agreements, education, legal assistance, healthcare, and other services.

Today, the Freedmen’s Bureau Records are among the most important collections of primary historical documents for African American genealogy and Reconstruction-era history. Millions of records have been preserved by the National Archives.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

The National Archives provides historical background, research guides, and access information for the Bureau’s records.

National Archives Research Guide

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau

Researchers can learn how to locate Bureau records by state, field office, and record type.

National Archives Catalog

Website

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1414908

Search terms:

Freedmen’s Bureau
Bureau of Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Field Office Records
Marriage Records
Labor Contracts
School Records

The National Archives Catalog contains digitized documents and descriptions for many Freedmen’s Bureau collections.

FamilySearch Freedmen’s Bureau Collection

Website

FamilySearch provides searchable indexes and digitized images of many Freedmen’s Bureau records.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Website

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/freedmens-bureau-search-portal

The Smithsonian’s Freedmen’s Bureau Search Portal provides educational resources and links to digitized records to assist genealogical and historical research.

DiscoverFreedmen.org

Website

https://www.discoverfreedmen.org

This educational project, developed with partners including the Smithsonian, helps researchers understand and locate Freedmen’s Bureau records.

Records Commonly Found

Freedmen’s Bureau records may include:

Marriage records
Labor contracts
Employment agreements
School records
Teacher reports
Student enrollment records
Hospital records
Medical reports
Court records
Legal disputes
Ration records
Refugee assistance
Land disputes
Military pension correspondence
Apprenticeship records
Complaints and investigations
Letters between citizens and Bureau officials

Genealogical Information

Many Bureau records contain valuable family information, including:

Full names
Parents
Children
Spouses
Former residences
Occupations
Birthplaces
Ages
Military service
Family relationships
Witness testimony

Historical Importance

The Freedmen’s Bureau documented the lives of millions of formerly enslaved people during Reconstruction. Because many records identify multiple generations of family members, marriages, occupations, schools, and communities, they have become one of the most valuable resources for genealogists and historians studying post-Civil War America.

Researchers frequently compare Freedmen’s Bureau records with:

Federal Census Records
Freedman’s Bank Records
Military Service Records
Dawes Commission Records
Indian Census Rolls
Land Records
State Archives
County Court Records
Church Records

Additional Research Resources

National Archives

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau

National Archives Catalog

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1414908

FamilySearch

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/freedmens-bureau-search-portal

DiscoverFreedmen.org

https://www.discoverfreedmen.org

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers to consult original Freedmen’s Bureau records when studying Reconstruction-era history and family genealogy. These records provide firsthand documentation of the lives, communities, and experiences of formerly enslaved people and their families during one of the most transformative periods in United States history. Because they were created for administrative purposes, they should be interpreted alongside census records, military records, court documents, church records, state archives, and other primary sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of individual and community histories.

Freedman’s Bank Records (1865–1874)

Official National Archives Collection

The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, commonly known as the Freedman’s Bank, was established by Congress on March 3, 1865, to provide banking services to formerly enslaved African Americans, Black Union soldiers, and their families following the Civil War.

Although the bank ultimately failed in 1874, the records created during its operation remain one of the most important primary sources for African American genealogy. Many account registration records include extensive family information that may not exist in any other historical source.

Official National Archives Portal

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bank

The National Archives provides background information on the Freedman’s Bank and guidance for locating surviving records.

National Archives Catalog

Website

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1417695

Search terms:

Freedman’s Bank
Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company
Register of Signatures
Depositor Records
Savings and Trust

The National Archives Catalog contains descriptions and digitized records relating to the Freedman’s Bank.

FamilySearch Collection

Website

FamilySearch provides a searchable collection of Freedman’s Bank records, including many depositor registers and indexes.

Ancestry Collection

Website

https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1116

Ancestry provides searchable indexes and digitized images of Freedman’s Bank records for subscribers.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bank

The Smithsonian provides educational resources on Reconstruction, African American genealogy, and the historical significance of the Freedman’s Bank.

Information Commonly Found

Freedman’s Bank registration records may include:

Full name
Account number
Age
Date of birth (when recorded)
Birthplace
Current residence
Occupation
Employer
Military service
Spouse’s name
Children’s names
Parents’ names
Siblings
Grandparents (occasionally)
Former residence
Signature or mark
Date the account was opened

Historical Importance

The Freedman’s Bank records preserve detailed personal and family information for thousands of African Americans during Reconstruction. Because many depositors identified multiple generations of relatives, these records are considered one of the most valuable resources for reconstructing family histories after emancipation.

Researchers frequently compare Freedman’s Bank records with:

Freedmen’s Bureau Records
Federal Census Records
Military Service Records
Pension Files
County Court Records
Church Registers
State Archives
Land Records
Vital Records

Additional Research Resources

National Archives

National Archives Catalog

https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1417695

FamilySearch

Ancestry

https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1116

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers to consult original Freedman’s Bank records as part of a broader genealogical and historical investigation. These records provide firsthand documentation of individuals and families during Reconstruction and often preserve relationships, occupations, military service, and places of origin that are unavailable in other historical sources. They should be used alongside census records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, military records, church records, state archives, and other primary sources to build a more complete understanding of family and community history.

Black Native Military Service & Indian Scouts

Official United States Military Records

Throughout United States history, numerous Black individuals served in military units connected to Native nations, particularly within the Five Tribes and the Seminole Nation. These records are preserved by the National Archives, the U.S. Army, state historical societies, and tribal archives. They document military service, scouting operations, enlistments, pensions, campaigns, and the important role Black Native communities played in the defense and development of the American frontier.

For researchers studying Black American Indigenous heritage, these records provide valuable historical evidence of Black individuals who were recognized within Native communities or served alongside Native nations in official military capacities.

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts

The Seminole Negro Indian Scouts are one of the best-documented examples of Black Native military service in United States history.

Official historical records include:

U.S. Army enlistment records
Muster rolls
Officer correspondence
Military orders
Medal of Honor records
Pension files
Fort Clark records
Fort Duncan records
Congressional documents
National Archives collections

Historical Resources

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Historical Society

https://www.seminolenegroindianscouts.org/primary-documents

Primary Documents

National Archives

https://www.archives.gov

Indian Home Guard (Civil War)

During the Civil War, Native nations organized military units known as the Indian Home Guard. Historical records document the participation of Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw, and other Native communities. Researchers studying Freedmen and tribal communities often consult these records because they may include individuals associated with the Five Tribes.

Official Resources

National Park Service

https://www.nps.gov/civilwar

National Archives Military Records

https://www.archives.gov/research/military

National Archives Catalog

https://www.archives.gov/research/military

Five Tribes Freedmen Military Records

Military service records exist for members of the:

Cherokee Freedmen
Creek (Muscogee) Freedmen
Choctaw Freedmen
Chickasaw Freedmen
Seminole Freedmen

Researchers may locate information within:

U.S. Army enlistment records
Pension applications
Muster rolls
Veterans’ files
Dawes Commission records
Bureau of Indian Affairs records
Indian Census Rolls

Official Resources

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

Medal of Honor Records

Several Seminole Negro Indian Scouts received the Medal of Honor for distinguished military service.

Official Resources

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

https://www.cmohs.org

U.S. Army Center of Military History

https://history.army.mil

National Archives

https://www.archives.gov

Fort Clark Military Records

Fort Clark, Texas, served as the headquarters for the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts for many years.

Historical collections include:

Enlistment records
Muster rolls
Pay records
Officer reports
Campaign reports
Unit correspondence
Pension records

Official Resources

National Archives

https://www.archives.gov

Texas State Historical Association

https://www.tshaonline.org

Bureau of Indian Affairs Military-Related Records

The Bureau of Indian Affairs preserved numerous historical records relating to Native communities, including documentation that may intersect with military service, agency reports, census records, and tribal administration.

Official Resources

Historical Research Topics

Researchers may explore:

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts
Black Native military service
Indian Home Guard units
Five Tribes Freedmen veterans
Indian Territory military history
Frontier scouts
Military pensions
Enlistment records
Medal of Honor recipients
Fort Clark history
Fort Duncan history
Family genealogy
Tribal military history

Additional Research Resources

National Archives Native American Research

https://www.archives.gov/research/military

National Archives Military Records

National Archives Catalog

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Historical Society

https://www.seminolenegroindianscouts.org/primary-documents

Primary Documents

Texas State Historical Association

https://www.tshaonline.org

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

https://www.cmohs.org

U.S. Army Center of Military History

https://history.army.mil

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers to examine original military records, tribal records, and federal archives to better understand the documented history of Black individuals who served within Native communities and military organizations. These records provide important historical evidence of military service, community leadership, and family history. They should be studied alongside treaties, Dawes Commission records, Indian Census Rolls, Bureau of Indian Affairs records, land records, and other primary sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of Black Native military history.

Indian Territory Freedmen (1830–1907)

Official Historical Records

Following the removal of the Five Tribes to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), thousands of formerly enslaved people and their descendants lived within the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole Nations. Their lives were documented through treaties, tribal governments, federal agencies, census records, schools, courts, churches, military service, and land allotments.

Today, these records provide important historical documentation for understanding the history of the Freedmen communities associated with the Five Tribes.

Official National Archives

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

The National Archives preserves federal records relating to Indian Territory, the Five Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs agencies, Dawes Commission records, tribal rolls, and Indian Census Rolls.

National Archives Tribal Rolls

Website

This collection includes records relating to:

Cherokee Freedmen
Creek Freedmen
Choctaw Freedmen
Chickasaw Freedmen
Seminole Freedmen

along with numerous federal tribal enrollment records.

Dawes Commission Records

Website

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/dawes

The Dawes Commission documented thousands of citizens and Freedmen living within the Five Tribes.

Researchers may find:

Family groups
Enrollment cards
Citizenship records
Land allotments
Testimony
Correspondence
Applications

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Website

The Bureau of Indian Affairs administered numerous agencies throughout Indian Territory and preserved records concerning education, land, census, agency reports, tribal governments, and community affairs.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Website

The Oklahoma Historical Society preserves extensive collections relating to Indian Territory, including photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, school records, and tribal history.

Library of Congress

Website

The Library of Congress maintains maps, manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, treaties, and other historical materials documenting Indian Territory and the Five Tribes.

Historical Records May Include

Researchers may locate:

Citizenship records
Freedmen Rolls
Census records
School enrollment
Church records
Court proceedings
Marriage records
Land allotments
Agency correspondence
Military service
Tax records
Probate records
Maps
Photographs
Newspapers
Community histories

Communities Documented

Historical records document Freedmen communities associated with:

Cherokee Nation
Creek (Muscogee) Nation
Choctaw Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Seminole Nation

These records illustrate the development of schools, churches, farms, businesses, neighborhoods, and civic life throughout Indian Territory during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Additional Research Resources

National Archives

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/rolls

National Archives Tribal Rolls

Dawes Commission

https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans/dawes

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Oklahoma Historical Society

Library of Congress

National Archives Catalog

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers to consult original federal, tribal, and state historical records when studying the history of the Freedmen communities of Indian Territory. These collections preserve valuable documentation relating to citizenship, education, land ownership, military service, family genealogy, and community development. Because the historical experiences of the Five Tribes and their Freedmen differed across nations and over time, researchers should examine multiple primary sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of these communities and their histories.

Historic Black Towns & Freedmen Communities of Indian Territory

Official Historical Documentation

Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, numerous predominantly Black communities were established throughout Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). Many residents were Freedmen of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole Nations, while others were formerly enslaved people, Black farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, veterans, and professionals seeking new opportunities.

These communities are documented through federal census records, land patents, newspapers, town plats, school records, church records, and state historical archives.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Website

The Oklahoma Historical Society preserves photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, town histories, maps, and other archival materials documenting historic Black towns and communities.

National Archives

Website

Federal records relating to Indian Territory include census records, land records, tribal records, military records, and Dawes Commission records that help document these communities.

Library of Congress

Website

The Library of Congress preserves maps, newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, and historical publications relating to Oklahoma, Indian Territory, and historically Black communities.

Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office Records

Website

The General Land Office Records provide access to federal land patents, survey plats, township maps, and land ownership records that document settlement and development throughout Indian Territory.

National Archives Catalog

Website

Search for:

Indian Territory
Freedmen
Black towns
Oklahoma Territory
Land patents
Town plats
Schools
Churches

Historically Documented Communities

Researchers may explore the histories of communities such as:

Boley
Langston
Rentiesville
Taft
Tullahassee
Clearview
Grayson
Red Bird
Summit
Brooksville
Lima

Each community has its own unique history and should be studied through local, state, tribal, and federal records.

Historical Records May Include

Federal census records
Land patents
Town plats
Survey maps
School records
Church records
Property deeds
Tax records
Court records
Probate records
Newspapers
Business directories
Agricultural records
Military service records
Family genealogies
Historic photographs

Historical Research Topics

Researchers may investigate:

Community founding
Land ownership
Education
Churches
Businesses
Agriculture
Local government
Military veterans
Family genealogy
Migration
Economic development
Civic organizations

Additional Research Resources

Oklahoma Historical Society

National Archives

National Archives Catalog

Library of Congress

Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office Records

https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

Chronicling America – Historic Newspapers

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages the preservation and study of historically documented Black communities in Indian Territory through original government records, local archives, tribal records, newspapers, maps, land records, and family histories. These communities represent an important part of the historical landscape of the United States and provide valuable insight into the lives, institutions, and contributions of Black residents in Indian Territory during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Historic Black Towns & Freedmen Communities of Indian Territory

Official Historical Documentation

These communities are documented through federal census records, land patents, newspapers, town plats, school records, church records, and state historical archives.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Website

The Oklahoma Historical Society preserves photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, town histories, maps, and other archival materials documenting historic Black towns and communities.

National Archives

Website

Federal records relating to Indian Territory include census records, land records, tribal records, military records, and Dawes Commission records that help document these communities.

Library of Congress

Website

The Library of Congress preserves maps, newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, and historical publications relating to Oklahoma, Indian Territory, and historically Black communities.

Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office Records

Website

The General Land Office Records provide access to federal land patents, survey plats, township maps, and land ownership records that document settlement and development throughout Indian Territory.

National Archives Catalog

Website

Search for:

Indian Territory
Freedmen
Black towns
Oklahoma Territory
Land patents
Town plats
Schools
Churches

Historically Documented Communities

Researchers may explore the histories of communities such as:

Boley
Langston
Rentiesville
Taft
Tullahassee
Clearview
Grayson
Red Bird
Summit
Brooksville
Lima

Each community has its own unique history and should be studied through local, state, tribal, and federal records.

Historical Records May Include

Federal census records
Land patents
Town plats
Survey maps
School records
Church records
Property deeds
Tax records
Court records
Probate records
Newspapers
Business directories
Agricultural records
Military service records
Family genealogies
Historic photographs

Historical Research Topics

Researchers may investigate:

Community founding
Land ownership
Education
Churches
Businesses
Agriculture
Local government
Military veterans
Family genealogy
Migration
Economic development
Civic organizations

Additional Research Resources

Oklahoma Historical Society

National Archives

National Archives Catalog

Library of Congress

Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office Records

https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

Chronicling America – Historic Newspapers

Historical Preservation Statement

Historic Photographs of Black Indians, Freedmen, and Black Native Communities

Official Historical Photograph Collections

Photographs provide an important visual record of the lives, families, military service, schools, churches, businesses, and communities of Black Native peoples, Freedmen, and the Five Tribes. Numerous federal agencies, libraries, museums, and state archives preserve thousands of original photographs dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The collections below contain primary historical images available for research and education.

Library of Congress Digital Collections

Official Website

https://www.loc.gov/photos

The Library of Congress maintains one of the world’s largest collections of historical photographs.

Researchers may search for:

Cherokee Freedmen
Seminole
Black Seminoles
Indian Territory
Five Civilized Tribes
Freedmen
Oklahoma
Creek Nation
Choctaw Nation
Chickasaw Nation

Library of Congress Digital Collections

Official Website

https://www.loc.gov/collections

Search collections for:

Historic Photographs
Glass Negatives
Indian Territory
Native Americans
African Americans
Schools
Military
Tribal Governments

National Archives Catalog

Official Website

https://americanindian.si.edu

The National Archives Catalog contains millions of digitized historical photographs.

Smithsonian Institution

Official Website

https://www.si.edu

The Smithsonian preserves historical photographs, artifacts, manuscripts, and educational materials relating to Native American and African American history.

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Official Website

Collections include:

Historic tribal photographs
Community photographs
Leaders
Cultural collections
Historical documentation

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Official Website

Collections include photographs documenting African American communities, Reconstruction, military service, education, and family history.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Official Website

The Oklahoma Historical Society preserves extensive photograph collections documenting:

Indian Territory
Freedmen communities
Historic Black towns
Schools
Churches
Businesses
Tribal governments
Families
Community leaders

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Historical Society

Official Website

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org

Historical photographs include:

Scouts
Families
Military service
Fort Clark
Medal of Honor recipients
Historical documents

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

Official Website

https://dp.la

The DPLA aggregates digitized collections from libraries, archives, museums, and historical societies across the United States.

New York Public Library Digital Collections

Official Website

The NYPL preserves historical photographs, manuscripts, maps, and newspapers relating to American history.

What Researchers May Find

Historical collections may include:

Family portraits
Tribal citizens
Freedmen families
Seminole Negro Indian Scouts
Churches
Schools
Teachers
Students
Military units
Tribal leaders
Community celebrations
Businesses
Agricultural life
Homes
Town streets
Government buildings
Land allotments
Historic maps
Cultural events

Historical Research Topics

Researchers may explore:

Cherokee Freedmen
Creek (Muscogee) Freedmen
Choctaw Freedmen
Chickasaw Freedmen
Seminole Freedmen
Black Seminoles
Seminole Negro Indian Scouts
Indian Territory
Historic Black Towns
Tribal governments
Schools
Churches
Military history
Family genealogy
Community development

Additional Research Resources

Library of Congress

https://www.loc.gov/photos

Library of Congress Photos

National Archives Catalog

https://americanindian.si.edu

Smithsonian

https://www.si.edu

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oklahoma Historical Society

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Historical Society

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org

Digital Public Library of America

https://dp.la

New York Public Library Digital Collections

Historical Preservation Statement

The Black American International Union (BAIU) encourages researchers to consult original photographic collections preserved by federal archives, museums, libraries, and historical societies. Historical photographs provide visual documentation of people, families, military service, schools, churches, and communities that complement treaties, census records, tribal records, land records, and other primary historical sources. When studied alongside documentary evidence, these collections contribute to a broader understanding of the diverse histories of Black Americans, Freedmen, and Native communities across the United States.

Black Americans in Indian Territory (1830–1907)

Official Historical Documentation

Between 1830 and Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Indian Territory became home to thousands of Black Americans whose lives were intertwined with the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole Nations. Historical records document Black citizens, Freedmen, military veterans, teachers, ministers, physicians, business owners, farmers, ranchers, law enforcement officers, judges, legislators, and community leaders throughout the Territory.

Their lives are preserved through federal records, tribal records, census records, newspapers, court documents, land records, school records, military records, church registers, and photographs.

National Archives

Official Website

The National Archives preserves millions of pages documenting Indian Territory, including records relating to the Five Tribes, Freedmen communities, military service, schools, courts, land allotments, and tribal governments.

National Archives Catalog

Official Website

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Official Website

The Bureau of Indian Affairs preserved agency records documenting education, health care, tribal governments, agriculture, land management, schools, and community affairs throughout Indian Territory.

Library of Congress

Official Website

The Library of Congress preserves manuscripts, newspapers, maps, photographs, congressional documents, and publications documenting Indian Territory and its diverse communities.

Oklahoma Historical Society

Official Website

The Oklahoma Historical Society maintains extensive archival collections documenting Black communities, the Five Tribes, Indian Territory, statehood, education, business development, churches, newspapers, and local government.

Historical Records Document

Researchers may locate records documenting:

Teachers
Physicians
Midwives
Ministers
Lawyers
Judges
Sheriffs
Deputy sheriffs
Tribal police
Farmers
Ranchers
Black cowboys
Merchants
Blacksmiths
Barbers
Hotel owners
Newspaper publishers
Editors
Railroad workers
Postal employees
School principals
Military veterans
Seminole Negro Indian Scouts
Tribal legislators
Community leaders
Landowners
Homesteaders
Entrepreneurs

Community Institutions

Historical records document:

Schools
Churches
Tribal governments
Courthouses
Businesses
Agricultural cooperatives
Banks
Newspapers
Fraternal organizations
Cemeteries
Military organizations
Community associations

Government Records

Researchers may examine:

Federal Census Records
Indian Census Rolls
Dawes Commission Records
Land Allotment Jackets
Court Records
Probate Records
Tax Records
Military Records
Pension Files
Marriage Records
School Registers
Church Registers
Newspapers
Photographs
Maps
Agency Correspondence
Congressional Documents

Historic Communities

Historical documentation exists for numerous communities throughout Indian Territory, including:

Boley
Langston
Taft
Tullahassee
Rentiesville
Red Bird
Clearview
Grayson
Summit
Brooksville
Lima

These communities illustrate the growth of education, business, agriculture, civic leadership, and cultural life among Black residents of Indian Territory.

Additional Research Resources

National Archives

National Archives Catalog

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Library of Congress

Oklahoma Historical Society

Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office Records