Record Group 75: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains historically significant and permanently valuable records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Record Group 75. Most BIA records in NARA's holdings document administrative matters and the federal government’s management of tribal and individual resources.
Agency Overview
Government Headquarters Office, Fort Berthold Agency (National Archives Identifier: 45641579)
From the establishment of the U.S. Government under the Constitution in 1789 until 1824, federal administration of Indian affairs was under the direct supervision of the Secretary of War. The exception was the government-operated factory system established to regulate trade with American Indian tribes. The Office of Indian Trade, which was established in 1806 and abolished in 1822, oversaw the factory system. This office was administered by a superintendent of Indian trade, who answered to the Secretary of War.
As the federal government’s responsibilities to American Indians increased over the years, the need for a specific office to oversee Indian affairs became clear. On March 11, 1824, Secretary of War John C. Calhoun established the Office of Indian Affairs (OIA) within the War Department.
From 1824 to 1832, the OIA operated informally within the War Department. However, in 1832, Congress authorized the appointment of a Commissioner of Indian Affairs and formalized the office (4 Stat. 564). In 1849, Congress transferred the OIA from the War Department to the newly created Department of the Interior (9 Stat. 395), where it remains. The name “Bureau of Indian Affairs” was formally adopted in 1947.
The BIA’s primary function throughout its history has been to manage the U.S. Government’s relationship with federally recognized Native American tribes and to carry out federal responsibilities regarding Native Americans’ trust assets. Learn more about the BIA’s history and mission
Records Overview
Records created by the BIA can be found at NARA research facilities around the country. There is no comprehensive index to these records. It is important to know the tribe and/or the local BIA agency to locate potentially relevant records. See Navigating Record Group 75 for more information.
Select research topics are listed below. For descriptions of other BIA records in NARA's holdings, search the National Archives Catalog. For questions, contact us.
