This collection contains the military, business, and personal papers of Cave J. Couts, a prominent businessman in early San Diego, as well as business papers and personal papers of other members of the Couts Family.

Cave Johnson Couts was born near Springfield, Tennessee on November 11, 1821. His uncle, Cave Johnson, was Postmaster General under President Polk and had him appointed to West Point, where he graduated in 1843. Cave served on the frontier until after the Mexican war, and then in Los Angeles, San Luis Rey, and San Diego from 1848 to 1851. In 1849, he was the commander for the escort of Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple’s expedition to the Colorado River. In 1851, he retired from the army and accepted an appointment as aid-de-camp to Governor Bigler.

0.5 Linear feet (1 box)

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

This collection is open for research.