De la Guerra Collection

Finding aid created by Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, California 93105
(805) 682-4713, ext. 131
research@sbmal.org
https://www.sbmal.org/
2023


Descriptive Summary

Title: De la Guerra Collection
Dates: Bulk dates: 1806-1886
Collection Number: DLG
Creator/Collector: Guerra family.
Extent: (6 vertical file drawers, 17 oversize boxes)
Repository: Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library
Santa Barbara, California 93105
Abstract: The letters, diaries, accounts, petitions, statistics, and reports in the De la Guerra Collection cover the social, political, military, and economic pursuits of one of California's founding families.
Language of Material: Spanish; Castilian

Access

The collection is open for research use by appointment. To make an appointment call (805) 682-4713 ext. 131 or email research@sbmal.org

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item]. De la Guerra Collection. Collection Number: DLG. Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library

Acquisition Information

These documents remained in the hands of the de la Guerra family until 1967, when Father Joseph Thompson, O.F.M., great-grandson of Captain de la Guerra, died. A few years prior to his death, Father Thompson had deposited the collection at the Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, California, with the provision that upon his death, they be transferred to the Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library and remain there permanently.

Scope and Content of Collection

The de la Guerra Collection is comprised of the papers of José Antonio de la Guerra y Noriega (1779-1858), captain of the Spanish army and commandant of the Santa Barbara Presidio (1806-1842) and to his successors. The letters, reports, and diaries document José Antonio de la Guerra y Noriega's time as a military and political leader and as the treasurer for the Franciscan missionaries of California, which accounts for the many letters of the missionaries in this series that were sent to him.

Indexing Terms

California -- History.
California -- Politics and government.
California -- Social life and customs.
Frontier and pioneer life -- California.
Santa Barbara (Calif.) -- History.
Personal correspondence
Business correspondence