This book tells the story of the Oak Hill Industrial Academy, a school established in 1887 in what is now southeastern Oklahoma. It was founded by Presbyterian missionaries, led by the author Robert Elliott Flickinger, with a specific mission: to educate the children of Choctaw Freedmen. These were African Americans who had been enslaved by members of the Choctaw Nation and were granted citizenship and rights through a new treaty after the Civil War.

The Story

The narrative follows the school's journey from its founding through its early, challenging decades. Flickinger details the practical work of building classrooms and dormitories, securing funding, and hiring teachers. But the real heart of the story is the students and families. The book shows us their daily lives, their hopes for an education that offered practical skills, and their complex position within Choctaw society. It's a story of community building in the face of significant social and political obstacles.

Why You Should Read It

I found this book eye-opening because it shines a light on a corner of history I knew nothing about. We often learn about post-Civil War Reconstruction in the South, but this is Reconstruction within a Native American nation. The Choctaw Freedmen's fight for education and a stable future adds a crucial, often missing, layer to our understanding of that era. Reading Flickinger's first-hand account, you get a real sense of the determination it took to make Oak Hill a reality.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in the untold stories of American history, especially the intersections of African American and Native American experiences. It's perfect for readers who enjoy narratives about community, resilience, and the foundational power of education. Be prepared—it's a primary source, so it reads more like a detailed historical record than a novel, but the human story at its core is incredibly powerful.