Thomas Loraine McKenney (21 March 1785 – 19 February 1859) was a United States official who served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs from 1824 to 1830.

Eleven years later, he helped draft and gain passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

While serving as superintendent, McKenney denounced the United States Government for failing to keep white people out of territory belonging to the Cherokee as part of a treaty.

[2] McKenney worked with James Hall to create and publish the three volumes of the History of the Indian Tribes of North America, which were released from the years of 1836 to 1844.

[3] The books included portraits of Native American leaders painted by Charles Bird King.