American History

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    Close up image of handwritten letter by Abraham Lincoln

    Delve into the Lilly collections to trace American history from the first printing in Latin of the Columbus letter through the Lincoln Era to recent U.S. political figures.

    You’ll find unique holdings related to periods such as the American Revolution, creation of the U.S. Constitution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

    The collection also focuses on individuals, such as Abraham Lincoln, Charles Fairbanks, Paul McNutt, Wendell Willkie and Charles Halleck.

    Collections from Indiana alumni George L. Harding, Robert Spurrier Ellison and William Corr Service include resources for the study of the American West. You’ll find overland narratives and diaries, and materials about the Pacific Northwest and the California Gold Rush.

    The resources in this area are vast and varied, so ask a librarian for help for your specific research area.

Text of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, first printing, by John Dunlap

Declaration of Independence

The first printing of the Declaration of Independence is a priceless artifact and an evocative statement of the nation's founding principles. Originally printed on the night of July 4, 1776, only 26 copies are known to exist today. 

View the digitized version
Handwritten notes from folder of notes on the Cheyanne Indian Wars

Walter Mason Camp papers

Walter Mason Camp (1867–1925) was an American author, editor, and researcher best known for interviewing hundreds of both Native American and white participants in the American Indian Wars of the second half of the 19th century. The collection consists largely of Camp’s penciled notes, mostly on small scraps of paper.

View the digitized collection
Scene of men fighting aboard the sailing ship Chesapeake

The War of 1812 in the Collections of the Lilly Library

Explore the history of the War of 1812, the conflict that brought us the national anthem and trained a generation of political leaders. This site was developed for the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812.

View the online exhibition

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