19th century
Founded in 1879 by Lieutenant Richard Henry Pratt under U.S. government authorization, Carlisle Indian Industrial School was an early … See more

Carlisle curricula included subjects such as English, math, history, drawing and composition. Students also learned trade and work skills such as farming and manufacturing. Older students used their skills to help build new classrooms and dormitories. … See more

World fairs and expositions
During the Progressive Era, from the late 19th century until the onset of World War I, Native American performers were major draws and money-makers. Millions of visitors at world fairs, exhibitions and parades throughout … See more

Beginning in the early 1900s, the Carlisle Indian Industrial School began to diminish in relevance. With growth of more localized private and … See more

Carlisle, Pennsylvania
In 1880, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was a thriving town as a borough and county seat See more

Progressive Era fight for the image of Native Americans
From 1886 to the onset of World War I, Progressive Reformists fought a war of images with Wild West shows before the American public at world fairs, expositions and parades. Pratt … See more

Pratt's retirement
Pratt came into conflict with government officials over his outspoken views on the need for Native … See more