World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893)

The first page opened with a poem titled "Suppose," followed by a story by P.B. called, "An Indian Story" about using the powers of observation to identify a thief. The other items on the page were two short geography queries. Page two recounted national news items including the hanging of Louis Riel for leading a Native American uprising in…

An excerpt from the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal year ending 1893, containing the Fourteenth Annual Report of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. The report, submitted by Superintendent Richard Henry Pratt, includes a table of the school's population, as well as…

An excerpt from the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to the Secretary of the Interior for the fiscal year ending 1894, containing the Fifteenth Annual Report of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. The report, submitted by Superintendent Richard Henry Pratt, includes a table of the school's population, as well as…

The Carlisle Indian School exhibit titled Into Civilization and Citizenship at the World's Fair in 1893 held in Chicago, Illinois. The exhibit includes images of students, mannequins representing students, and other artifacts. 

This image appears in United States Indian School Carlisle, Penna (Carlisle,…

Richard Henry Pratt provides an outline for an Indian Department exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition covering the history of Native Americans. Pratt suggests highlighting the education work of the Office of Indian Affairs.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding an exhibit for the Indian Department at the Columbian World's Fair. Pratt states that he has placed Alfred John Standing in charge of the exhibit due to his experience with the New Orleans exhibit. As a result Standing has developed a plan for an exhibit at a cost of $…

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter by providing the proposed expenses and diagram developed by Alfred John Standing for the Columbian World's Exposition Indian Department exhibit at Chicago.

Richard Henry Pratt provides a report responding to questions from the Office of Indian Affairs on the needs of the Carlisle Indian School. Included are discussions on the need for more land, additional educational needs, and industrial training including the limitations of the industrial instruction received at Carlisle.

Pratt also…

Richard H. Pratt writes to Thomas J. Morgan, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, about plans for having the Carlisle Indian School Band perform in the inaugural parade to open the Chicago World's Fair and Columbian Exposition, planned for October 1892.

In a continuing discussion of having the Carlisle Indian School Band perform at the Chicago World's Fair and Columbian Exposition, Richard H. Pratt explains some of his plans and what the anticipated expenses would be. He stresses that if a larger band is desired, he would need to recruit additional students.

Richard Henry Pratt expresses his disappointment in the plan of the Office of Indian Affairs on its upcoming exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair and Columbian Exposition. Pratt notes that the proposed plan does not offer an opportunity to demonstrate individual schools and the larger Indian School system a respectable showing. Rather he…

Thomas A. Mextoxen inquires from Thomas J. Morgan why he is being forced to remain at the Carlisle Indian School despite graduating in February. Metoxen has discussed this with Pratt and is under the impression Pratt means to keep him there in order to perform with the band in Chicago. Metoxen states he is working full time now but for little…

Richard Henry Pratt responds to Thomas Metoxen's request to either be sent home or receive additional pay to remain at Carlisle. Pratt notes that Metoxen choose to stay as part of the band when asked (in order to travel to and perform in Chicago) and that the possibility for increased pay depending on the appropriation. However, at the moment…

Richard Henry Pratt provides a recommendation at the request of Fordyce Grinnell for the position of physician at the World's Fair in Chicago if such a position is needed.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to a letter from the Office of Indian Affairs regarding an exhibit at the World's Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Pratt informs the Office that he is planning to carry out orders to carry on a small school and illustrator but has made no definite plans as he has not received any blue prints.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding placing Alfred John Standing in charge of the building in Chicago. Pratt approves of the placement but notes that he does not agree with his salary being taken out of his funding during this period. He further asks for an increase in the daily allowance and the ability…

Minnie M. Birch informs the Office of Indian Affairs that she is accepting the position of dining room matron pursuant to various conditions.

Richard Henry Pratt notifies the Office of Indian Affairs that the Carlisle Indian School will forward to Chicago the articles named in a letter from the Office.

Richard Henry Pratt follows up on his letter of March 15th regarding allowance for special exhibit at Chicago.

Richard Henry Pratt follows up on his letter of March 15th regarding allowance for special exhibit at Chicago.

Richard Henry Pratt replies to an Office of Indian Affairs letter accepting release for students and teachers from exhibit in Indian School at Chicago and also accepts allowance.

Richard Henry Pratt forwards a petition from the Comanche Nation to keep their U.S. Indian Agent George Day.

Also a brief note that a few members of the Agency stopped in Chicago and saw the Carlisle exhibit.

Richard Henry Pratt responds to a request from John Wilson for the return of his grandchildren Samuel Wilson and Minnie Finley. Pratt notes that Samuel has just went out on outing and should remain there in order to honor his contract. In addition, Pratt plans on taking any student willing to pay for the trip to Chicago to see the World's Fair…

Richard Henry Pratt forwards the Annual Report of the Carlisle Indian School for the 1892-1893 school year to the Office of Indian Affairs. Pratt's narrative discusses the enrollment statistics of the school, academic and industrial education, the outing system, the saving system, as well as field trips to the Columbian Quadricentennial in New…

Richard Henry Pratt provides the general outline of the field trip to the Chicago World's Fair and Columbian Exposition for 420 students and 35 employees of the Carlisle Indian School.