The Colorado State Archives volunteer, Connie Ryan, has extracted names from the Fort Lewis and Grand Junction Indian Industrial Schools 1900 Federal Census. These enumerations were slightly different from the usual 1900 Census entries or the Federal Indian Census as there was a special section, "Special Inquiries Relating to Indians." The main section included the headings found on the 1900 Federal Census. In addition, however, this special section  listed the tribe of the Indian as well as the tribe of his/her father and mother. There is also a heading entitled "Mixed Blood" which asked if the Indian had any white blood and how much. In the Grand Junction index several additional headings are usually filled out including, "Conjugal Condition," "Citizenship" and "Dwelling" ("Is this Indian living in a fixed or in a movable dwelling?").

The information found in these indexes is especially helpful since the Federal Indian Census before 1930  provided only information on the person's name, date of birth, gender, and relationship to the head of the family. After 1930 the Census provided information on the individual's degree of Indian blood, marital status, ward status, place of residence, and also included miscellaneous commentary. For a further explanation of the Federal Census and the Indian Census from 1885-1944, please see  our web site concerning the Federal Census.

We do have search, processing and copy fees. Please contact us if you wish us to do a search for you. We will apprise you of the cost to conduct a search and make copies.

Matron Mrs. Miller with party of girls in mid 1890s at the Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School. 
(Photo courtesy of Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies) 

Fort Lewis Indian Boarding School Baseball Team
(Photo courtesy of Fort Lewis College Center of Southwest Studies)

Mandolin and Guitar Players at the Grand Junction Indian School 
(Photo Courtesy of the Museum of Western Colorado and the Mesa County Historical Society)