Bureau of Indian Affairs Records

The BIA gathered, collected, and created numerous rolls involving American Indians to identify members of various tribes and bands, including Freedmen. These rolls were created as a result of allotments, legislation, removals, treaties, and other activities. The BIA then used these rolls to create additional documentation—often using the same rolls for multiple purposes. Because the purpose of the rolls varies, the information collected also varies.

BIA rolls can contain names, enrollment numbers, ages, family relations, locations, and more. Below is a sample of available rolls.

Detailed Information on Select Rolls

Baker Rolls, 1924–1929 (Eastern Cherokee)
Indian Census Rolls, 1885–1940 (Multiple Agencies and Tribes)
Roblin Roll, 1911–1919 (Indians in Western Washington not enrolled or allotted to an Indian Agency)
Kern-Clifton Roll of Cherokee Freedmen, 01/16/1897
Revised Copy of the Wallace Roll, ca. 1890–ca.1896
Dawes Rolls, 1896–1914 (Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma)
Guion Miller Rolls, 1906–1911 (Eastern Cherokee)

Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940 Multiple Agencies and Tribes

Roblin Roll, 1911-1919 Indians in Western Washington not enrolled or allotted to an Indian Agency

Kern-Clifton Roll of Cherokee Freedmen, 01/16/1897
Revised Copy of the Wallace Roll, ca. 1890 - ca.1896

Dawes Rolls, 1896-1914 Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma

Guion Miller Rolls, 1906-1911 Eastern Cherokee

Examples of Rolls Related to American Indians

Please note: Most of these records have not yet been digitized.

National Archives Identifier 595427

National Archives Identifier 2124153

Muster Rolls Concerning Indian Removal, 1832–1846

(Also known as Miscellaneous Muster Rolls, Entry 301)

See microfilm description M1831, roll 1, for the complete list of tribes.

National Archives Identifier 2124810 or microfilm publication M1831

Eastern Cherokee Census Rolls, 1836–1884

(This is a compilation of multiple rolls.)

National Archives Identifier 2110769 or microfilm publication M1773