Mineral Claims, Navaho [sic] Indian Reservation, Arizona and New Mexico

Protecting mineral claims on Native American reservations in the early 20th century.

“July 16 – That gang of prospectors came through near Tuba on their way to the Keams district day before yesterday, and from what I am able to learn they are anxious for further steps to be taken. I am also informed that it will not do to send the Indian police to eject them. They indicate that they want trouble. I will notify them to vacate and then send you word whether they obey or not.” [pg. 31]

This fascinating report and accompanying map is a notorious example of the process by which prospectors and squatters encroached on Native American reservations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nearly 100 pages of text comprise a copy of the communications from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, previous land leases with the Navajo tribe, and numerous claims on mineral rights in the Navajo Reservation of Arizona and New Mexico.

A fold-out map accompanies a letter from Acting Commissioner of the Office of Indian Affairs, A.C. Tonner, that details the provisions of an oil and petroleum lease by Gus Mulholland. Despite questions of legality, Tonner concludes the letter with “in its main features, the lease seems to be unobjectionable.”