Background
Rockwell Dennis Hunt was born in Sacramento (1868)and attended Napa
College (B.A. 1890) and John Hopkins University, receiving a Ph.D. in Economic
History from the latter institution in 1895. He taught History and Economics at
the University of the Pacific for six years, leaving to become principal of San
Jose High School(1902-1907) and later a professor of economics at the
University of Southern California (1908-1920). In 1920 Hunt was named Dean of
the Graduate School at USC, remaining in that position until his retirement
(1945). In the following year he became Director of the California History
Foundation at the University of the Pacific. California Governor Goodwin Knight
subsequently named Dr. Hunt "Mr. California" in recognition of his many
contributions to the study of California history. Hunt continued active in
local historical society endeavors until his death (1966).