Richard Henry Pratt

Richard Henry Pratt was a United States Army officer and educator best known for his role in the assimilation of Native Americans in the late 19th century. He founded the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in 1879, which aimed to "civilize" Native American children by educating them in Euro-American cultural practices while discouraging their native traditions. Pratt's motto, "Kill the Indian, save the man," reflected his belief in cultural assimilation. While he contributed to Native American education, his methods have been widely criticized for undermining indigenous identities and cultures. Pratt's legacy highlights the complexities of U.S. policies toward Native Americans.