Dawes Commission in Cherokee Nation: Freedmen Exhibit opens

On Saturday, November 16, the Fort Gibson Historic Site will debut the exhibit Dawes Commission in Cherokee Nation featuring Freedmen history.

The exhibit covers a brief historical moment in the late 1800s when formerly enslaved people from across the territory traveled to Fort Gibson to be enrolled in the Dawes Rolls. The Fort Gibson staff has worked directly with Freedmen descendants to curate the photographs of the Freedmen exhibit.

Captain McKennon set up an office in one of the officers’ quarters to fulfill his commission of enrolling people once enslaved in Indian Territory. While waiting, a small community gathered, and soon-to-be-enrolled Freedmen visited with long-lost friends, sold goods they brought with them, and held gatherings on the post’s grounds.

Photographers took several images during the proceedings, recording the small historical moment through images.

This exhibit features photographs taken during the enrollment of the Cherokee Freedmen at Fort Gibson post as well as an exhibit display of some of the materials and equipment used by Captain McKennon in the course of his commission duties. Included in the exhibit will be space for Freedmen descendants to write down information they may have on the many unidentified people featured in the photographs as well as any stories they wish to share. The Fort Gibson Historic Site and Oklahoma Historical Society have worked to depict a moment in time that highlights the creativity, community, and moments of joy shared by Cherokee Freedmen on the eve of enrollment. The exhibit will open on November 16 and remain open through the end of February.

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Fort Gibson, Indian Territory (15814.A, Aylesworth Album Collection, OHS).