The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy By: Robert Elliott Flickinger (1846-)
In "The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy," author Robert Elliott Flickinger delves into a captivating yet often overlooked chapter in American history. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Reconstruction, the book sheds light on the lives and struggles of the African American freedmen of the Choctaw Nation and their quest for education and equality. Flickinger's meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring to life the trials and triumphs of the Choctaw freedmen and their journey towards empowerment. Through a deep exploration of primary sources, personal testimonies, and historical records, he presents a comprehensive overview of the complex social, political, and racial dynamics that shaped this era. One of the book's most powerful aspects is Flickinger's portrayal of the Oak Hill Industrial Academy and its pivotal role in the lives of the Choctaw freedmen. Established in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) by Presbyterian missionaries, the academy offered educational opportunities and vocational skills to freedmen and their children. Flickinger skillfully examines the Academy's significance as a safe haven, where African American students could thrive despite the hostile climate of the time. Furthermore, the author highlights the agency of the Choctaw Nation in navigating the complex landscape of racial politics. He explores the Nation's gradual embrace of the freedmen and the challenges they faced in acquiring citizenship and land rights. Flickinger expertly dissects the intricate mechanisms that led to tensions between Choctaw tribal leaders and the federal government, revealing the paradoxical nature of racial relations during this period. In addition to the historical context, Flickinger also delves into the personal stories of prominent figures within the Choctaw freedmen community. By focusing on individuals such as Allen W. Wright and Samuel H. Folsom, he humanizes the struggles and aspirations of these individuals, providing a deeply emotional and relatable narrative. While Flickinger's research is extensive and offers countless compelling stories, some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming at times. Moreover, the narrative could have benefited from a stronger focus on the racial tensions and injustices faced by the Choctaw freedmen outside of the Oak Hill Industrial Academy. Nevertheless, "The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy" is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a better understanding of African American history in the Reconstruction era. Flickinger's dedication to uncovering this often marginalized history and his ability to present it in a compelling manner make this book a significant contribution to the field. First Page: The Choctaw Freedmen [Illustration: OAK HILL] AN OAK TREE On the southeastern slope, near the Academy, A pretty Oak, That strong and stalwart grows. With every changing wind that blows, is a beautiful emblem of the strength, beauty and eminent usefulness of an intelligent and noble man. "He shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon; like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." [Illustration: ALICE LEE ELLIOTT 1846 1906] THE Choctaw Freedmen AND The Story of OAK HILL INDUSTRIAL ACADEMY Valliant, McCurtain County OKLAHOMA Now Called the ALICE LEE ELLIOTT MEMORIAL Including the early History of the Five Civilized Tribes of Indian Territory the Presbytery of Kiamichi, Synod of Canadian, and the Bible in the Free Schools of the American Colonies, but suppressed in France, previous to the American and French Revolutions BY ROBERT ELLIOTT FLICKINGER A Recent Superintendent of the Academy and Pastor of the Oak Hill Church ILLUSTRATED BY 100 ENGRAVINGS Under the Auspices of the PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF MISSIONS FOR FREEDMEN Pittsburgh, Pa. ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1914 BY THE AUTHOR IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS AT WASHINGTON, D... Continue reading book >>

The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy By: Robert Elliott Flickinger (1846-)

In "The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy," author Robert Elliott Flickinger delves into a captivating yet often overlooked chapter in American history. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Reconstruction, the book sheds light on the lives and struggles of the African American freedmen of the Choctaw Nation and their quest for education and equality.

Flickinger's meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring to life the trials and triumphs of the Choctaw freedmen and their journey towards empowerment. Through a deep exploration of primary sources, personal testimonies, and historical records, he presents a comprehensive overview of the complex social, political, and racial dynamics that shaped this era.

One of the book's most powerful aspects is Flickinger's portrayal of the Oak Hill Industrial Academy and its pivotal role in the lives of the Choctaw freedmen. Established in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) by Presbyterian missionaries, the academy offered educational opportunities and vocational skills to freedmen and their children. Flickinger skillfully examines the Academy's significance as a safe haven, where African American students could thrive despite the hostile climate of the time.

Furthermore, the author highlights the agency of the Choctaw Nation in navigating the complex landscape of racial politics. He explores the Nation's gradual embrace of the freedmen and the challenges they faced in acquiring citizenship and land rights. Flickinger expertly dissects the intricate mechanisms that led to tensions between Choctaw tribal leaders and the federal government, revealing the paradoxical nature of racial relations during this period.

In addition to the historical context, Flickinger also delves into the personal stories of prominent figures within the Choctaw freedmen community. By focusing on individuals such as Allen W. Wright and Samuel H. Folsom, he humanizes the struggles and aspirations of these individuals, providing a deeply emotional and relatable narrative.

While Flickinger's research is extensive and offers countless compelling stories, some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming at times. Moreover, the narrative could have benefited from a stronger focus on the racial tensions and injustices faced by the Choctaw freedmen outside of the Oak Hill Industrial Academy.

Nevertheless, "The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy" is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a better understanding of African American history in the Reconstruction era. Flickinger's dedication to uncovering this often marginalized history and his ability to present it in a compelling manner make this book a significant contribution to the field.

First Page:

The Choctaw Freedmen

[Illustration: OAK HILL]

AN OAK TREE

On the southeastern slope, near the Academy, A pretty Oak, That strong and stalwart grows. With every changing wind that blows, is a beautiful emblem of the strength, beauty and eminent usefulness of an intelligent and noble man.

"He shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon; like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season."

[Illustration: ALICE LEE ELLIOTT 1846 1906]

THE Choctaw Freedmen

AND

The Story of OAK HILL INDUSTRIAL ACADEMY Valliant, McCurtain County OKLAHOMA

Now Called the ALICE LEE ELLIOTT MEMORIAL

Including the early History of the Five Civilized Tribes of Indian Territory the Presbytery of Kiamichi, Synod of Canadian, and the Bible in the Free Schools of the American Colonies, but suppressed in France, previous to the American and French Revolutions

BY ROBERT ELLIOTT FLICKINGER A Recent Superintendent of the Academy and Pastor of the Oak Hill Church

ILLUSTRATED BY 100 ENGRAVINGS

Under the Auspices of the PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF MISSIONS FOR FREEDMEN Pittsburgh, Pa.

ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1914 BY THE AUTHOR IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS AT WASHINGTON, D... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Biography
History

eBook links
Wikipedia – Robert Elliott Flickinger
Wikipedia – The Choctaw Freedmen and The Story of Oak Hill Industrial Academy

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac