Description
This collection contains letters, narratives, and eight large volumes of clippings related to the members of the Jayhawkers,
their overland trip to the California gold fields through Death Valley in 1849 to 1850, and their annual reunions held between
1872 to 1918. It also contains diaries by Asa Haines and Sheldon Young and a map of Death Valley by William Lewis Manly. The
collection was assembled by John B. Colton, a member of the Jayhawker party.
Background
The Jayhawker party (originally composed of 36 single young men) left Illinois in April 1849 to cross the plains in search
of gold in California. After joining several other wagon trains and hiring Captain Jefferson Hunt, a Mormon guide, to lead
them over the Spanish Trail to Los Angeles, the Jayhawkers and some of the other wagon owners separated themselves to try
a shortcut by way of Walker Pass and got lost in what is now known as Death Valley. After a struggle with hunger and thirst,
in addition to the loss of three lives, the party safely arrived at the San Francsiquito Ranch north of Los Angeles, California,
on February 4, 1850. Beginning in 1872, John B. Colton, a member of the Jayhawker Party, organized reunions held annually
on February 4th until 1918. At the time of the reunions, the Jayhawkers recalled details about their journey in 1849 and shared
news about surviving members.
Extent
13 Linear Feet
(11 boxes, 6 volumes, and 4 oversize folders )
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.