Chilocco Indian Agricultural School, Federal boarding school in Kay County, Oklahoma, United States.
Chilocco Indian Agricultural School was a federal boarding institution spread across a large property in northeastern Oklahoma containing over 100 buildings constructed from yellow limestone. The campus layout reflects the structured design of an early American Indian educational facility, with various structures positioned across the expansive grounds.
Founded in 1884, the school was one of five federally authorized off-reservation boarding institutions and remained operational until 1980. It operated as part of a broader national system designed to assimilate young people from various Native American communities.
The school brought together young people from many different Native American nations who were expected to abandon their traditions and languages. Walking through the grounds, one can sense how this institution shaped the lives of entire generations of students.
The remaining buildings are protected as a historic site and available for visits and educational programs, though access may vary by location. Plan your visit by checking current conditions beforehand, as only certain buildings and areas may be open to the public at any given time.
The institution maintains extensive records of more than 17,000 former students through yearbooks and rosters that are available today for genealogical research. These collections allow visitors and descendants to trace their connection to this significant institution.
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