St. Joseph's Indian Normal School's purpose was to educate American Indians. This was believed to be the best way to assimilate them into the white culture. Operating from 1888 to 1896, the U.S. government funded the school's operation. It was believed that this was the best way to "civilize" Native Americans and the western territories. Established by the Catholic Indian Missions with funding from Katharine Drexel, the school taught 60 Indian children. The Society of Precious Blood operated the school during its years of operation. The students were all boys. When the Indian School was closed, the building was named Drexel Hall. It is one of the first structures of St. Joseph's College.