Descriptive Summary
Administrative Information
Administrative History
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Descriptive Summary
Title: Mining Bureau records,
Date (inclusive): 1882-1905
Inventory: 90-112; 95-11-13
Creator:
California State Mining Bureau
Extent:
20 bound volumes
Repository:
California State Archives
Abstract: Correspondence and financial records of the California State Mining Bureau
Language:
English.
Administrative Information
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
Preferred Citation
Mining Bureau Records, AC 90-112; AC 95-11-13, California State Archives.
Acquisition Information
Part of California State Archives collection as of July 2001.
Administrative History
The State Mining Bureau was created in 1880 by chapter 105 to collect geological and mineral specimens and to carry out various
informational functions relating to mining and geology. At the same time, the office of the State Mineralogist was created.
A five-member Board of Trustees of the State Mining Bureau was created in 1885 to direct and control property, money, and
the financial affairs of the bureau. (Statutes 1885, chapter 105).
The role of the State Mining Bureau was expanded in 1893 by chapter 173 of that year. It repealed the 1880 and 1885 laws and
created a new State Mining Bureau and Board of Trustee. The Board would supervise and approve the activities of the bureau
and State Mineralogist. The law was again re-written in 1913 (chapter 679) and the Board of Trustee was abolished. In 1927
the Department of Natural Resources was created by chapter 128. At this time, the powers and duties of the State Mineralogist
and State Mining Bureau were assigned to the Division of Mines within this new department.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
This collection consists of 20 bound volumes dating from 1882 to 1905. The two most significant of these are the two letterpress
books of correspondence by the State Mineralogist and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the State Mining Bureau. The
correspondence are with scientists, miners, mine owners, and publications and reflect the daily work of the State Mining Bureau.
The other volumes are generally of an accounting nature and contain interesting information on the expenses of the bureau.