Collection contains 48 pictorial lettersheets from 1849 to 1875. Pictorial lettersheets are writing paper illustrated with lithographs or wood engravings depicting San Francisco and California mining themes and are a visual account of the Gold Rush. Topics and scenes include San Francisco views, fires and earthquakes, public executions, activities of the Committees of Vigilance, and mining and camp life. Places featured include San Francisco, Sacramento, Placerville, Sonora, and Grass Valley.

1 box (.5 Linear feet)

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center's Photo Desk hours.