Guide to the Amanda M. Fletcher Cook papers
Scope and Content
The collection consists of typescript of articles and depositions, correspondence to and from Mrs. Cook, publications, and various news clippings, most relating to her time as a Native American captive in the 1860s.
Dates
- 1866-1922
Creator
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Biographical / Historical
Amanda Fletcher was born in England before her family emigrated to the U.S. In 1865 the Fletchers were traveling to California when the wagon train was attacked by Cheyenne Indians near Rock Creek. Amanda and her sister were taken captive while her mother was killed and her father and brothers escaped. Amanda spent a year with the tribe before being bought by a trader and returned to Illinois. The fate of her sister was unknown. It was believed that she was killed but in 1900 Mrs. Cook believed that a white woman living with the Arapahoe near Casper was her sister. The claim was never verified and the woman refused to leave the tribe.
Material from this collection was used by Virginia Cole Trenholm for her article "Amanda Mary and the Dog Soldiers" published in Annals of Wyoming, 46:1:5-46.
Extent
.5 cubic feet (15 folders) : Analog
Abstract
Articles, depositions, publications, correspondence to and from Amanda Fletcher Cook.
Arrangement
Arranged into 7 series based upon record type or function. Organized chronologically therein when possible.
Acquisition Information
Collection purchased from Mrs. Merrill R. Farr in 1973.
Alternative Formats
Collection material available on microfilm at the Wyoming State Archives, roll H-231, 73-22-87, MA# 6547
Separated Materials
1 folder of Wyoming newspaper clippings (folder 15) deaccessioned.
Processing Information
Processed by Wyoming State Archives staff. Finding aid last updated in 2002. Encoded in 2022.
- Title
- Guide to the Amanda M. Fletcher Cook papers
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- Wyoming State Archives staff, encoded 2022-04, updated 2026-08-03 to include the detailed inventory and other minor updates.
- Date
- 2002-09-03
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826
wyarchive@wyo.gov