american indians
A Deadly Plague

A Deadly Plague

Thousands of Plains Indians died from smallpox. Native American contact with Whites turned out to be deadly, especially for the Plains tribes. One...

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The Long Walk

The Long Walk

The forced relocation of the Navajo. In 1861, the United States was in a virtual war with the Indians of New Mexico. Plans called for them to be...

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Shaman or Medicine Men

Shaman or Medicine Men

I’ve been asked a number of times, “Where would Geronimo or Sitting Bull have learned their trade as a medicine man. How did they get this position?...

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The Power of Pictures

The Power of Pictures

The very best historical photographs from our treasured vaults define our idea of the West. In honor of our 70th year, the editors of True West have...

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Where Was the Indian Territory?

Where Was the Indian Territory?

In a word; eastern Oklahoma. Indian removals in the East began as early as 1817. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which authorized...

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The Indian Civil War

The Indian Civil War

For the Cherokee, the conflict pitted brother against brother. The Civil War not only split the United States, but it also tore apart various Indian...

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Taking a Stand

Taking a Stand

Cherokee leader Watie signed an unpopular treaty. Stand Watie was a controversial Cherokee leader. He and several members of his family signed a...

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