The history of slavery in Oklahoma began in the 1830s with the five Native American nations in the area: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole.[1] Slavery within these Native American nations began simply by placing a lower status on them than their master. The slavery in these tribes varied in style, being specifically different from American slavery. Slavery in the area continued to grow for many years, even throughout the entirety of the Civil War. The growth was significant, slaves making up a portion of the population in the new Indian territory.[2] Slavery ended in the Oklahoma area with the completion of the Civil War. Treaties were made with the nations regarding citizenship and slavery for African Americans. The repercussions of slavery that followed greatly affected the state, with prominent racial issues.
- ^ Krauthamer, Barbara (2013). Black Slaves, Indian Masters: Slavery, Emancipation, and Citizenship in the Native American South. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 978-1-4696-2187-6.
- ^ Saunt, Claudio (2004-02-01). "The Paradox of Freedom: Tribal Sovereignty and Emancipation during the Reconstruction of Indian Territory". The Journal of Southern History. 70 (1): 63–94. doi:10.2307/27648312. JSTOR 27648312.