MSS-74
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Overview of the Collection | |
| Creator: | Sanford, George B. (George Bliss), 1842-1908 |
| Title: | George B. Sanford Collection |
| Inclusive Dates: | 1861-1908 |
| Bulk Dates: | 1866-1871 |
| Quantity: | 2 Boxes (0.75 Linear Feet) |
| Abstract: | The George B. Sanford Collection includes a journal transcript, correspondence, newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, financial records, and printed matter. Although the collection extends from 1861 to 1908, the bulk of the material concerns Sanford's command of Fort McDowell and his participation in the "Indian Wars" against the Apache in Arizona from 1866 to 1871. |
| Identification: | MSS-74 |
| Language: | Material in English |
| Repository: | Arizona State University Library. Greater Arizona Collection P.O. Box 871006 Tempe, AZ 85287-1006 Phone: (480) 965-4932 E-Mail: archives@asu.edu Questions? Ask An Archivist! |
George Bliss Sanford, US Army cavalry officer, was born at New Haven, Connecticut on June 28, 1842. He attended Yale University until he accepted a commission as second lieutenant in the 1st Dragoons (Later 1st Cavalry) on April 26, 1861. During the Civil War, he fought at Antietam and in the Battle of the Wilderness. He arrived in Arizona in 1866 and served as commanding officer at Fort McDowell. In 1892, he retired from the Army and eventually relocated with his family to Litchfield, Connecticut. Sanford passed away in New York City on July 13, 1908.
The George B. Sanford Collection includes a journal transcript, correspondence, newspaper clippings, a scrapbook, financial records, and printed matter. Although the collection extends from 1861 to 1908, the bulk of the material concerns Sanford's command of Fort McDowell and his participation in the "Indian Wars" against the Apache in Arizona from 1866 to 1871.
Sanford's "Journal" consists of transcripts of correspondence and reports that Sanford and other Fort McDowell personnel sent and received. The journal describes several expeditions sent to locate and attack Apache Indians and their "rancherias" from 1866 to 1871. Later entries describe Sanford's exploratory expeditions by the 1st US Cavalry from Fort Lapwai, Idaho Territory from 1871 to 1872.
Sanford's correspondence is comprised of letters that he received concerning military administration, political issues, and personal matters. Five letters from Richard C. McCormick (then US Congressional Representative from the Arizona Territory) are included.
The newspaper clippings generally concern Sanford's activities in expeditions against Apache Indians. The Special Orders are routine communications regarding leaves of absence and reporting for duty; General Orders and Expedition Accounts are published descriptions of four 1st Cavalry expeditions against the Apache Indians.
To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.
Arizona State University does not own the copyright to this collection. We recognize that it is incumbent upon the researcher to procure permission to publish information from this collection from the owner of the copyright.
Interested researchers may also wish to consult CP SPC 31: George B. Sanford Photographs (guide available at http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/asu/sanford_photos.xml.
[Identification of item], George B. Sanford Collection, MSS-74, Arizona State University Library.
The George B. Sanford Collection was received in two accessions in 1969 and 1977. The Sanford journal and the majority of the materials in Box 1 were received from the Litchfield (Connecticut) Historical Society in 1969 (ACC# 1969-00073). The Military/Personal scrapbook, Ancestral Tablet, and photographs were received from Sanford's grandson Mr. George M. Landon of Phoenix in 1977 (ACC# 1977-00073).
A calendar describing each entry in Sanford's journal (Box 1, Folder 1) is available upon request in the Luhrs Reading Room.
| Box | Folder | ||||||||||
| 1 | 1 | Journal: Reports of Scouts by E Troop, 1st Cavalry in Arizona Territory, 1866 May-1871 May (Transcript) | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | Correspondence, 1863-1908, Undated | |||||||||
| 1 | 3 | Condolence Letters, 1908 | |||||||||
| 1 | 4 | Newspaper Clippings, 1866-1867, Undated | |||||||||
| 1 | 5 | Genealogical Notes; Bills and Receipts | |||||||||
| 1 | 6 | Special Orders, 1861, 1865 | |||||||||
| 1 | 7 | General Orders from the Headquarters of the Department of Arizona, 1866, 1870 | |||||||||
| 1 | 8 | Expedition Accounts, 1869 | |||||||||
| 1 | 9 | Obituaries, Undated | |||||||||
| Box | Folder | ||||||||||
| 2 | 1 | Ancestral Tablet, Undated | |||||||||
| 2 | 2-2B | Military/Personal Scrapbook, 1861-1907 | |||||||||
| Includes correspondence and genealogical sources. | |||||||||||
| 2 | 3/OV3 | Newspaper: Fresno Morning Republican, 1906 April 23 | |||||||||
| Discusses the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. | |||||||||||