Treaty of the Wabash facts for kids
The Treaty of the Wabash was an important agreement between the United States government and the Miami people in Indiana. It was signed on November 28, 1840. This treaty was about the United States buying land from the Miami tribe.
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|---|---|
| Type | Land purchase |
| Signed | November 28, 1840 |
| Location | Near Wasbash, Indiana |
| Condition | Transfer of money and goods to natives |
| Parties | |
| Language | English |
The Treaty of the Wabash
On November 28, 1840, the United States government began talks with the Miami tribe. They wanted to buy land in northwestern Indiana. The goal was to open this land for new settlers.
Who Was Involved?
The United States government sent two representatives to the talks. These people were called commissioners. Their names were Samuel Milroy and Allen Hamilton. They spoke for the United States. The Miami tribe spoke for themselves.
The Land Deal
The United States wanted to buy land near the Wabash River in north central Indiana. This area was about 500,000 acres. The Miami tribe agreed to give up all their remaining land in Indiana. This land was on the south side of the Wabash River.
The treaty stated:
Art. 1. The Miami Tribe of Indians do hereby cede to the United States all that tract of land on the south side of the Wabash river, not heretofore ceded, and commonly known as "the residue of the Big Reserve." Being all of their remaining lands in Indiana.
This means the Miami tribe officially gave this land to the United States.
Payments and Promises
In return for the land, the United States government promised to pay the Miami tribe $550,000.
- The first $300,000 was used right away. It helped the tribe pay off debts they owed. These debts included money owed to local traders and to important tribal leaders.
- The remaining $250,000 was paid over 20 years. The tribe received parts of this money each year.
The yearly payments were made in Fort Wayne. This continued until the tribe moved to new lands west of the Mississippi River. The treaty also confirmed other land agreements made in an earlier treaty from 1838.
A New Home
The Miami tribe agreed to move to new lands. These lands were in the Indian Territory. Today, this area is known as Oklahoma. This was meant to be their final place to settle.
