On March 21, 1785, Thomas L. McKenney was born in Hopewell, Maryland. A member of a Quaker family with a background in trade, he had a keen sense of justice. McKenney served in the federal government from 1816 to 1830, first as the superintendent of Indian trade and later as the superintendent of Indian affairs. He is recognized as the first head of what is now the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which operates under the Department of the Interior.
During McKenney’s time, the United States was still a young nation, with only 24 states and a significant Native American population. The relationship between the government and Native tribes was often fraught with tension. Secretary of War John C. Calhoun made it clear that he viewed Native tribes as obstacles to American expansion. He believed they should be governed by the interests of the United States rather than their own.
In the 1820s, the prevailing sentiment in Washington was that it was the destiny of white Americans to displace Native peoples. While McKenney had sympathy for the tribes, he was still part of a system that marginalized them. His biographer, James Horan, recounts a poignant moment in 1821 when President James Monroe met with tribal chiefs. An observer noted the tragic fate awaiting Native peoples, suggesting they would soon vanish from the earth despite their noble qualities.
McKenney understood the importance of preserving the legacy of Native Americans. He took it upon himself to remember their stories and document their lives. However, much of his work involved the mundane tasks of managing invoices and expenses related to Indian affairs.
The political landscape shifted dramatically in 1829 when Andrew Jackson became president. Jackson’s administration was marked by aggressive policies toward Native tribes, including the forced removal of the Cherokees, known as the "Trail of Tears." McKenney was eventually dismissed from his position because he did not align with Jackson’s views.
Despite losing his job, McKenney remained determined to honor Native American culture. He commissioned painter Charles Bird King to create portraits of Indian chiefs, capturing their dignity and diversity. Bird produced around 300 paintings, many of which were later lost in a fire at the Smithsonian in 1865. Fortunately, some of these works survived as lithographs in McKenney’s published series, "History of the Indian Tribes of North America," released between 1836 and 1844.
Though McKenney’s contributions were not fully appreciated during his lifetime, his writings and the portraits became an important part of American history. He expressed his views on the treatment of Native Americans in his personal memoir, emphasizing the need for reform and justice.
Sadly, McKenney’s later years were marked by poverty, and he died in 1859. However, the legacy of Native Americans endures. Today, they number around 3 million in the United States, showcasing a rich diversity that spans the country. In recent elections, Native Americans have shown a variety of political preferences, including a notable trend toward Republican candidates.
As we reflect on the past, it is crucial to acknowledge both the struggles and the resilience of Native American communities. Their history is a vital part of the American story, and their voices continue to be heard today.