Baker (George H.) Diary, 1848-1849

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Summary

Title:
George H. Baker Diary
Dates:
1848-1849
Creators:
Baker, Geo. H. (George Holbrook), 1827-1906
Abstract:
This file contains the hand written in ink journal of George H. Baker. Mr.. Baker created the record between 1848 and January 1849. The hard covered book is in good condition with the spine intact. The pages are off white in color and are also in good condition. In this journal he writes about his time as a California Gold Hunter for the New England Pioneers and he discusses the long journey from New England to California.
Extent:
1 folder 1 Bound journal
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

George H Baker Diary, 1848-1849, The Society of California Pioneers`

Background

Scope and content:

This file contains the hand written in ink journal of George H. Baker. Mr.. Baker created the record between 1848 and January 1849. The hard covered book is in good condition with the spine intact. The pages are off white in color and are also in good condition. In this journal he writes about his time as a California Gold Hunter for the New England Pioneers and he discusses the long journey from New England to California. He describes in great detail he journey South via railroad and steamship to New Orleans. His party stays in that city momentarily and he describes it in great depth. Mr. Baker also describes his crossing of the "Mexican Gulf" to the port city of Vera Cruz, Mexico, and on further to California where he would settle and take up the printing and lithography business. The first eight pages of the volume are a double entry accounting of income and expense commencing Sept 8,1847 through Dec 1, 1848. The balance of the journal describes the 1st leg of their journey of the "New England Pioneers", 12 New England men going to California, from Boston to New Orleans to board a steamer for Vera Cruz. They left Boston on Jan 8, 1848 and left New Orleans on January 30. The trip. The trip down the East Coast is an oddessy consisting of travel by train, sail, stage, and river boat

Biographical / historical:

G. H Baker joined the Gold Rush to California, arriving at San Francisco in May, 1849. His sketch Port of San Francisco, 1849" was lithographed and published in the NY Tribune in August, 1849. From 1852 to 1862 Baker worked in Sacramento running several merchandising businesses; he also edited and published two periodicals, continued to sketch (mostly mining scenes), and made a series of woodcuts of California views. He drew and published a large and detailed lithograph of Sacramento as it looked in 1857 (his account book listing subscribers and advertising costs is housed at the Soc. of Cal. Pioneers). He moved back permanently to SF in 1862, establishing a lithography and publishing firm. Specialized in posters, advertising cards, views of buildings, stock certificates, and maps. He did produce several views in those years.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mrs George Lilly (daughter) and Charles H. Baker (son), 1931
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
John Davis
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2018-06-13 23:17:13 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection open for research

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on access

Preferred citation:

George H Baker Diary, 1848-1849, The Society of California Pioneers`

Location of this collection:
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94107, US
Contact:
(415) 957-1849 ext. 160
mmdevine@californiapioneers.org
Website