Finding Aid to the J.W. Simmons Papers MS.776

Holly Rose Larson

Library and Archives at the Autry

2012 December 5

210 South Victory Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91502

rroom@theautry.org

URL: https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives

Contributing Institution: Library and Archives at the Autry

Title: J.W. Simmons Papers

Creator: Simmons, James W.

Creator: Amsden, Charles Avery

Identifier/Call Number: MS.776

Physical Description: 0.2 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Date (inclusive): 1934-1935

Abstract: This is a collection of correspondence, papers, and hand-drawn maps made by J. W. Simmons between 1934 and 1935 regarding archaeological sites in Arizona. Much of the correspondence is between Simmons and Southwest Museum Secretary Charles Avery Amsden. This collection also includes photographs.

Language of Material: English .

Related Archival Materials

James Simmons collection, MS-6. The Museum of Northern Arizona; Correspondence, site reports, and catalogue of archaeological collections by J. W. Simmons, A-0020, Arizona State Museum

Biographical Note

James W. Simmons, amateur archaeologist, became known during the 1930s for discovering Black Mesa and Perry Mesa on either side of the Agua Fria River. Both sites would later become important archaeological sites. Simmons documented a great deal of his archaeological work, particularly related to pueblos and petroglyphs, through reports funded by the Federal Writer's Project. He worked as a building laborer when he was not engaged in some type of archaeological endeavor. He was the first person to attempt to describe the prehistoric culture of the Yavapai County, Arizona area.

Scope and Contents

This is a collection of correspondence, papers, and hand-drawn maps made by J. W. Simmons between 1934 and 1935 regarding archaeological sites in Arizona. Much of the correspondence is between Simmons and Southwest Museum Secretary, Charles Avery Amsden. This collection also includes photographs.

Preferred Citation

J.W. Simmons Papers, 1934-1935, Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; MS.776.

Processing History

Processed by Library staff before 1981. Finding aid completed by Holly Rose Larson, NHPRC Processing Archivist, 2012 December 5, made possible through grant funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commissions (NHPRC).

Acquisition

Donated by Charles Avery Amsden between 1934 and 1935.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Conditions Governing Access

Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives and fill out the Researcher Application Form.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Flagstaff (Ariz.)

Pueblo Grande Cultural Park (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Prescott (Ariz.)

Arizona -- Antiquities

Tuzigoot National Monument (Ariz.)

Indians of North America -- Arizona

Mound-builders

Yavapai County (Ariz.)

Yavapai Indians -- Antiquities

Correspondence

Photographs

Maps

Verde River (Ariz.)

Excavations (Archaeology) -- Arizona

Oak Creek Canyon (Ariz.)