The Papers of the First California Guard comprises 8 folders of original documents dating from the first formation of the Guard under Military Governor Bennett S. Riley in 1849. The collection contains meeting minutes, constitution and by-laws of the Guard, letters of acceptance and resignation, certificates, and bills and receipts of the organization. Date range: 1849-1856, with the bulk of the material dated 1853-1854.

The First California Guard was formed July 27, 1849 and was officially called the Company A, 1st Regiment, Light Artillery, under the Military Governor of California, Brigadier General Bennett S. Riley. It was formed to prevent situations similar to the "Hounds" of San Francisco (a lawless gang) from forming.

8.0 folder See Scope and Contents for full container list.

There are no restrictions on access.

Collection open for research.