Description
Consists of photographs depicting
irrigation and water projects throughout California and other western locations collected by
William Hammond Hall. The photographs were probably collected while Hall acted as
California's first State Engineer (1878-1888) and while he worked in the private sector as a
civil engineer. The photographs span the years 1868 to 1917 and depict various water
projects throughout California. The photographs comprise a variety of formats including
albumen silver prints; gelatin silver print; and cyanotype. Photographers represented in the
collection include Carleton E. Watkins; H.B. Wesner; H.E. Mathews; C.B. Waite; Rhea
Brothers; San Diego View Company; Parker Photo (Francis Parker) and F.C. Fryett.
Background
William Hammond Hall was born in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1846. He joined the Army Corps of
Engineers in 1865 as a draftsman, but later worked in Oregon and California preparing
topographical surveys. In 1870 he was commissioned by the San Francisco Park Commission to
prepare a topographical survey for what would become Golden Gate Park. He was then
commissioned to design the park and became the park's superintendent in 1871. Hall resigned
from the position in 1876, but continued to serve as Consulting Engineer to the San
Francisco Park Commission. In 1878 Hall became California's first State Engineer. He
developed the first state-wide water resource plan. He served until 1888. In 1890 Hall
entered the private sector as a civil engineer, where he continued to work on hydroelectric
and irrigation projects. He died in San Francisco in 1934.
Extent
4.06 Linear Feet
1 half legal document box; 1 legal document box; 2 flat
boxes
Restrictions
Materials in this collection, which were created in 1868-1917, are in the public domain in
the United States. Permission to publish or reproduce is not required.
Availability
CHS is not taking appointments for research at this time. Please check the Library's website updates: https://californiahistoricalsociety.org/collections/north-baker-research-library/