Choctaw & Chickasaw Freedmen
Final Dawes Roll Database
A searchable index of 10,664 individuals enrolled as Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen under the Dawes Commission. Each record links directly to the corresponding enrollment card series at the National Archives (NARA Microfilm M1186 · Series NaId 251747).
Search the Roll
| Roll No. ▼ | Last Name ↕ | First Name ↕ | Tribal Affiliation ↕ | NARA Record |
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About This Database
This database contains 10,664 individuals enrolled as Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen on the Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory (1898–1914), compiled by the Dawes Commission. The data originates from NARA Microfilm Publication M1186 (Enrollment Cards for the Five Civilized Tribes, 1898–1914).
Freedmen are individuals who were formerly enslaved by members of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations, and their descendants. Many Freedmen are also verified lineal descendants of these Nations — the biological children and grandchildren of recognized Choctaw and Chickasaw citizens. Despite this documented ancestry, mixed African-Native descendants were denied the full citizenship privileges extended to other mixed lineal descendants, a disparity rooted not in law or treaty, but in the racial policies of the era. Despite their deep ties to the Nations — culturally, linguistically, and by blood in many cases — they were enrolled on a segregated Freedmen roll under policies that denied their Indian ancestry.
Each record links to the NARA Catalog search for that individual's name within the M1186 Enrollment Cards series (NaId 251747). Enrollment cards may contain the census card number, roll number, age, sex, blood degree, family relationships, and references to earlier tribal rolls.
"Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter." — African Proverb
Research Resources
For copies of digitized enrollment cards and application packets, contact the
National Archives at Fort Worth:
ftworth.archives@nara.gov · 817-551-2051