The editorial policy of the Indiana press towards Indiana Indians, 1804-1838

Abstract

This thesis involves the study of editorials published in Indiana newspapers from 1804 – 1838 concerning the subject of Indiana Indians. Approximately 120 newspapers were examined in order to determine the general editorial policy of the Indiana frontier press toward Indians who occupied the state at that time. The research covered the time period beginning in 1804, when the first newspaper originated in Indiana Territory, until 1838, when the last significant Indian emigration out of the state occurred. It was discovered these editorials about Indiana Indians were published infrequently, usually regarded the Indians in their relationship to white settlers and followed the general government policies toward the Indians.